OBJECTIVE: To examine perceptions among Healthcare Practitioners, Managers and Users of Brazil's Family Health Program (FHP) in two municipalities in Minas Gerais State, Brazil. METHODOLOGY: Semi-structured interviews with the Practitioners and Managers focused on: professional training, Family Health Program goals, teams and difficulties encountered in the municipalities; Users responded to a structured questionnaire in households registered with four healthcare units in these municipalities, selected through a random draw. RESULTS: Practitioners reported that: the requirements for a good team include the personal attributes of its members; they are not satisfied with the FHP organization; prevention is its main goal. Managers ranked intervention at the family level as its main benefit, also mentioning health promotion, education and assistance as other important aspects. Users indicated that: community health agents are the most outstanding professional category; specialists are required in the FHP; most respondents are not engaged in any health-related activities other than consultations; specialized services are preferable to the FHP. CONCLUSION: There are different expectations among all those involved in the FHP, which may undermine the effectiveness of its services.
Family health care; Healthcare practitioners; Managers; Users
