Transformative practice of the family doctor in preconception care

Abstract

Introduction: Preconception care in vulnerable communities requires integrative approaches that go beyond medical technique and promotes social transformation. This study proposes a social and assistential integrative method that combines the clinical method with principles of popular education, applied to the educational–promotional training of family physicians.

Methods: An Applied research with a qualitative–participatory approach was carried out, and was developed in three phases: clinical–educational diagnosis, participatory training of 49 family medicine residents through popular education workshops, and community implementation with 150 women in reproductive age. Techniques included interviews, observation guides and commented medical records,.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the integrative socio-assistance method in the community context through indicators created for this purpose that allow the transformation of the professional practice of the family doctor during the care to women with preconception risk.

Results: The 95 9 % of the residents used participatory techniques for health education and promotion, and applied methods to gain insight into the community. In 91.8 % of the cases, the incorporation of educational dialogue in the medical interview was observed. A 72.0 % of women identified reproductive risk factors and 80 % reported increased confidence in the physician–patient relationship. Twelve community health education groups were created, and in seven clinics monthly integrated sessions were established.

Conclusions: The proposed integrative method transforms medical practice into an educational and community-based action, strengthening the training of family physicians as agents of social change. Its use demonstrates feasibility, impact, and scalability potential in primary care settings.