Instrumentos assistenciais para a abordagem de crianças e adolescentes vítimas de violência: perspectiva dos profissionais de saúde.

Abstract

Child and adolescent violence constitutes a serious public health problem, requiring health professionals to have technical and emotional preparedness, as well as appropriate tools for an effective and welcoming approach. In the hospital context, the scarcity of specific care instruments for assisting victims of violence compromises the quality of care provided. Therefore, understanding health professionals' perceptions regarding the need for and structuring of such instruments is relevant, as this understanding may support improvements in care practices. Objective: To assess the need for care instruments for approaching children and adolescents who are victims of violence, from the perspective of health professionals. Method: This is a qualitative, descriptive, field study conducted with health professionals working at the Children’s and Adolescents Hospital in Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil. The sample was intentional, using the theoretical saturation criterion to define the number of participants. Data were collected through a sociodemographic form and a semi-structured guide for conducting focus groups and interviews, facilitated by a moderator and an observer. Data analysis was performed using Bardin’s Content Analysis technique, aiming to identify thematic categories that reveal professionals’ perceptions of the topic. Results: Twenty-five health professionals participated in the study, predominantly female, aged between 30 and 49 years, with a predominance of Nursing training and a high level of education; however, most did not have specific training in child and adolescent violence. Data analysis revealed weaknesses in academic training and continuing education, limitations in professional autonomy, difficulties in welcoming and qualified listening, restricted conceptions of health technologies, often associated only with hard technologies, and institutional barriers related to the fragility of the protection network and intersectoral articulation. Six thematic categories emerged, highlighting the need for care instruments capable of improving care, strengthening professional performance, and promoting comprehensive care for victims of violence. Final considerations: It is concluded that the hospital-based approach to children and adolescents who are victims of violence remains marked by weaknesses that limit comprehensive care. The findings reinforce the need for care instruments that enhance professional practice, expand autonomy, promote welcoming care, and strengthen articulation with the protection network, contributing to more effective and humanized assistance