Strengths and weaknesses in the high-risk baby care network

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the Stork Network in health care for high-risk babies, pointing out its main challenges. METHOD: questionnaires were applied with those responsible for the babies and with network health professionals. Data were analyzed quantitatively. RESULTS: statistically relevant variables were: link with the Basic Health Unit; individuals’ awareness of Family Health Support Center team; awareness of Family Health teams regarding the diagnosis of high-risk pregnancy and compliance with prenatal care; means of communication of individuals’ birth; awareness of the need for hospitalization as well as its duration; awareness of follow-up in Secondary Health Care; and its outcome, pointing to a difficulty in the axis of coordination and longitudinality of the services provided in the network. CONCLUSION: the greatest challenges lie in covering the territory by Family Health strategy teams, expanding teams and solidifying partnerships with Higher Education Institutions, guaranteeing a differentiated professional training.