Longitudinality in nurses' work: a report of professional experiences

Abstract

The present study aimed at describing nurses' perceptions regarding care under the perspective of longitudinality. This descriptive-exploratory qualitative study was performed in April 2010 with twenty family health nurses from cities of the 10th Regional Health District of Paraná, using semi-structured interviews. The data were submitted to content analysis. Results pointed at the following category: benefits and implications of interventions from a perspective of longitudinality, which found that the referenced care occurs with children, clients with chronic disease, families, and through groups. Teamwork, accessibility, client's co-participation, home visits and health prevention actions make longitudinality feasible and have a positive impact on peoples' health. In conclusion, longitudinality improves the quality of life of the population and promotes resolvability in primary healthcare.