Purpose: To analyze the discourse of speech language pathologists regarding the practice developed at Family Health Support Centers (FHSC) based on the concepts of center and field in Collective Health.
Methods: A qualitative investigation was conducted between April 2011 and June 2011 with 12 speech language pathologists working at the FHSCs of different municipalities of Paraíba. The empirical material was obtained by means of semi-directed interviews and analyzed through the French Discourse Analysis.
Results: Regarding the work of speech language pathologists, the curative perspective prevails, exercised through individual rehabilitation initiatives. Health promotion activities are focused on education and aimed at changing the behavior of individuals and specific groups through lectures and group formation. We verified difficulties to develop teamwork and problems of interaction among the professionals at the various FHSCs. These difficulties disregard the guidelines of the Ministry of Health in relation to the organization of work processes. The participants charged the managers with lack of knowledge about their jobs and remained silent about intersectoral actions and the empowerment of the population, which are consistent with the modern concept of health promotion.
Conclusion: The work of speech language pathologists at FHSCs in the municipalities of Paraíba has been revealed from a nuclear perspective. In order for it to be effective from the perspective of Collective Health, the barriers that prevent the intersection between center and field must be analyzed.