Evaluation of the Brazilian Administrative Development Foundation (Fundap) Health Professional Practice Program (PAP) of the years 1997 and 2002: Improving public health services quality to population

Introduction: The PAP, managed by Fundap, an agency of the São Paulo state Government, offers training in service studentship for non medical health professionals in order to integrate health teams of associated institutions. PAP’s main objective is contribute for the planning integration of human resources and health actions, disseminating best practice, improving population health conditions, and contributing to the construction of the Single Health System (SUS). Objectives: examine the insertion into the labor market of ex scholarships of PAP from the areas of nursing, physiotherapy and psychology, from the years 1997 and 2002. Methods: This quantitative description research was outlined through characterization of socio-demographic profile of ex-scholarships, their academic and professional situation than to know the influence of the PAP in their professional activity. Data was collected through an applied on-line questionnaire. Results: The return rate was 28.28% (153 respondents of a universe of 541 ex-scholarships): 24 nurses, 51 physiotherapists and 78 psychologists. The majority were women, singles, aged 31-40 years and residents in Sao Paulo city. More than half came from private schools and that 70.59% (108) continued their studies. Professionally, 91.50% (140) were employed, 49.67% (76) working in public institutions, mainly as team members. 92.15% (141) considered the training relevant and 96.73% (148) would recommend to a colleague of profession. 37.25% (57) were working in private institutions and their argument for not stay in the public sector referred to the lack of contests, few vacancies and low wages. Conclusions: The Program collaborates directly to improve participants’ formation process, developing professional’s practical performance, amplifying their vision related to SUS, improving public health service quality to population. However, it is important to notice that the public sector is losing space for the private sector, with regard to the absorption and retention of professionals that it even financed to improve.