This study sought to understand the influence of pay-for-performance (P4P) on worker performance using data from the National Program for Improving Primary Care Access and Quality (PMAQ-AB). We conducted a qualitative case study with professionals working in family health strategy teams. The data were analyzed using the narrative construction technique. The findings show that P4P contributed to the improvement of work processes, while at the same time stimulating competition and conflict between the teams, causing feelings of guilt and injustice. However, the original purpose of the financial incentive is defeated due to poor working terms and conditions, becoming akin to a salary supplement. Macrostructural problems affect working conditions and worker motivation, showing that financial incentive models alone are not sufficient to reverse this situation.
Keywords
Work performance; Primary health care; Personal motivation plans; Professional performance evaluation; Health policy