Abstract
Objective: To analyze the perception of professionals about the practices of Permanent Education in Health, considering the relationship between professional practice and the production of knowledge. Methods: Qualitative field research carried out from focus groups with professionals from the Family Health Strategy in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Results: Two different ways of understanding and using Permanent Education in Health were identified, first, as a space for the production of knowledge for the circulation of knowledge and, second, as a way for health professionals to reflect on their practice and actions in health they perform. There was also a weakness in the technical training of the community health agent, with possible effects on the performance of family health teams and health care. Conclusion: Although there are inductive policies that guide Permanent Health Education, the effectiveness of its potential for producing knowledge in the practice of professionals working in Family Health remains incipient and constitutes a challenge for the Unified Health System.