Laser therapy as a care technology in primary health care

Abstract

Objective: To report on the experience of implementing low-power laser therapy in Primary Health Care (PHC) in the municipality of Santos. Method: Descriptive study with a time frame from 2017 to 2024. The participants were nurses (specialists and general practitioners) and managers. The analysis was based on the theoretical framework of clinical management. Results: The implementation of laser therapy began with one nurse in a small hospital. The success of the process was driven by the nurse’s political articulation, dialog with different levels of care and managers, and the acquisition of laser equipment. A total of 115 nurses were qualified to perform the technique in all SUS units in the municipality, with an emphasis on PHC. Final considerations: The experience demonstrates the potential of local initiatives to transform clinical management in the SUS. Collaboration between managers, health professionals, and the community is crucial for a more efficient, accessible, and humane health system.