CHARACTERIZATION OF THE STRUCTURE AND WORK PROCESS IN PRENATAL CARE

Descriptive, exploratory study with a quantitative approach conducted between November 2014 and March 2015, involving 25 Basic Health Units (UBS) that implement the Family Health Strategy, 35 professionals who provide prenatal care and 305 users of basic care services of one city of Rio Grande do Norte, aimed to characterize the structure and work process in low-risk prenatal care services. In general, structure was considered adequate. Regarding the variable work process, 24 (68.6%) units with a multidisciplinary approach that perform all clinical-obstetric procedures were detected (100%). Regarding daily care activities, 186 (61%) pregnant women reported the existence of health education activities, and 22 (62.9%) health professionals described postnatal visits as adequate. Further studies on the topic and implementation of actions aimed to improve prenatal care are recommended.