My child gave me my life back: cartography of the Rede Cegonha

摘要

The present study analyzed the protagonist role of health workers in healthcare systems in a capital city of Northeastern Brazil, through the coordinated work of the Rede Cegonha (“Stork Network”), Psychosocial Care Networks, and Redes Vivas (“Living Networks”). This was a qualitative and cartographic study about the experience of a pregnant woman who used drugs, and the participation of health workers in the studied territory, who were involved in her care process. Data collection and analysis was carried out using workshops, in-depth interviews, field diary, observation, and flow charts. The results showed the frailty of formal networks in providing comprehensive care to its users and the power of living networks as efficient spaces of care. The study presents a new perspective for thinking networks, and their access points and work flow.