HEALTH COUNSELOR AND THE UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR ROLE: AN EXPERIENCE REPORT

Abstract

Objective: To report the experience of insertion and observation in a Municipal Health Council, aiming to understand how council members perceive and perform their duties, as well as to identify factors that weaken the effectiveness of social control within the Unified Health System. Methodology: Experience report linked to a research project conducted in Santo Ângelo/RS, involving the monitoring of Municipal Health Council meetings and the application of a semi-structured questionnaire to council members. Development and Discussion: The experience revealed low attendance and irregular participation, in addition to operational difficulties in returning the instruments. A weakening of the deliberative character was observed, with agendas often approved quickly and with little critical discussion, bringing the Council closer to a validating body. The presence of individualized agendas was also recurrent, indicating a fragility in representativeness. Gaps were identified in knowledge regarding legal attributions, the functioning of the Unified Health System, and management instruments, associated with the absence and low adherence to systematic continuing education actions. Final Considerations: It is concluded that strengthening social control in the municipality requires greater engagement of council members and continuous investment in continuing education, aiming to qualify participation, expand deliberation, and bring the Council closer to its democratic function within the Unified Health System.