HISTORICAL OVERVIEW OF THE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS: THE EVOLUTION OF HEALTH WORK AND CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES

Abstract

Health work is essential to the provision of care and the protection of life, but it also involves different risks and demands that may affect workers’ health. This essay aimed to analyze the historical evolution of health work and its repercussions on the physical and mental health of health workers, discussing occupational risk factors, contemporary challenges, and strategies for health promotion and protection. This is a reflective, analytical, and critical academic essay based on scientific articles, books, institutional documents, and regulations addressing workers’ health, the organization of health work, occupational risks, and mental health. The discussion was organized into three main axes: the historical evolution and transformations of health work; risk factors and their repercussions on workers’ physical and mental health; and contemporary challenges and perspectives for workers’ health promotion. The analysis indicates that scientific, technological, and organizational advances have expanded healthcare possibilities while also increasing the complexity of work processes and maintaining or creating new occupational risks. Work overload, long working hours, precarious employment, psychosocial factors, and technological changes may contribute to physical and mental exhaustion. It is concluded that worker protection requires actions that go beyond individual strategies, involving public policies, adequate work organization, continuing education, psychosocial support, safe work environments, and professional recognition.