Family Health Strategy and Bioethics: focus group discussions on work and training

Abstract The work of the Family Health Strategy has introduced a number of new bioethical challenges for health professionals. Additional effort has been required in terms of research – mapping the problems faced by staff – and training, focusing on ethical preparation for the creation of care activities. The aim of the present study was to understand this context by identifying, using the focus group technique, the perception of staff from the municipality Viçosa/MG, Brazil, of the concepts of ethics and bioethics, the approach to bioethical problems in the day to day functioning of the health units, and the training process relating to such issues. The results indicate recognition of the centrality of bioethics to the work of the Family Health Strategy and the need to create training areas which prioritize dialogue and lifelong learning.