PARTICIPATORY RAPID ESTIMATION AS A STRATEGY FOR TERRITORIAL DIAGNOSIS, A TECHNIQUE PERFORMED BY AN ORAL HEALTH TEAM: AN EXPERIENCE REPORT IN CARUARU-PE

Abstract

The Participatory Rapid Estimate (ERP) is a methodological tool for territorial situational diagnosis, which allows the identification in the short term of the main health problems and social determinants in specific communities. Its participatory and qualitative character allows us to understand the singularities of each territory through active listening and direct observation, being especially useful in the organization of the actions of the Family Health Teams. This paper aims to report the experience of the application of ERP by the Oral Health Team (OHT) of the Basic Health Unit (UBS) Sinhazinha I, located in the urban area of the municipality of Caruaru-PE, in the first quarter of 2024. The team toured the micro-areas of the territory, interviewing community leaders and local agents, with the support of Community Health Agents, even in areas of social risk. Information on basic sanitation, socioeconomic profile, level of education and prevalence of health problems was collected. Large disparities between neighboring micro-areas were highlighted, revealing the importance of a singularized local planning. ERP has proven to be an effective, viable and strategic tool for strengthening territorialized care, subsidizing more effective actions in the field of collective oral health.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2025.011-076