Advancing Primary Care with Social Entrepreneurship in Collective Activities: findings from Brazil

Objective: This study evaluates the collective activities of Health Units in a municipality of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, through the lens of social entrepreneurship. It aims to assess the alignment between community collective activities and social entrepreneurship principles, identifying challenges and opportunities in primary healthcare management. Methodology: A qualitative Content Analysis approach, complemented by quantitative techniques, was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 Health Unit managers. Data were analyzed using thematic, frequency, and co-occurrence methods with IRaMuTeQ and NVivo 14 software. Additionally, Osgood’s seven-point bipolar scale was applied to assess the perceived importance of collective activities. Results: The findings reveal a strong link between collective activities and social entrepreneurship principles, particularly in proactive innovation, intersectoral collaboration, and community-driven initiatives. However, a gap exists between the perceived importance of these activities and their actual implementation due to resource constraints and structural barriers. The study refines social entrepreneurship indicators, adapting them to primary healthcare. Practical/Managerial Implications: The results offer insights for policymakers, health departments, and healthcare managers, emphasizing the need for educational initiatives to develop social entrepreneurship competencies in primary healthcare. Strengthening these competencies can enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of collective activities. Social Implications: By improving collective activities through a social entrepreneurship approach, this study highlights potential benefits in health promotion, disease prevention, and overall community well-being. The research underscores the role of primary healthcare managers in fostering innovative solutions to address public health challenges, contributing to broader social transformation.