Physiotherapeutic performance in the family health support centers in Teresina, Piauí

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The physiotherapist's performance goes far beyond rehabilitation, as this is inserted in the entire care production process, thus, it plays an important role in primary care. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the role of the physiotherapist in the Family Health Support Centers in Teresina, Piauí. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a descriptive study, with a cross-sectional design and quantitative approach. With approval by the Research Ethics Committee, data collection took place through the application of a semi-structured questionnaire with all physical therapists who work at NASF-AB in Teresina-PI. RESULTS: All professionals perform individual care at the Basic Health Unit, and the most commonly found disorders are related to the areas of Traumato-orthopedics (100%), neurology (83.33%), rheumatology (50%) and respiratory physiotherapy (33.33%). Most physical therapists perform group activities, preventive actions and health education focused on the health of children and adolescents, women's health, men's health and the health of the elderly. 100% of the professionals stated that they carry out home follow-ups. Among the most common activities, guidelines for patients and family members, prescription of auxiliary walking devices and prescription of home exercises stand out. In addition, most participants were dissatisfied with the interdisciplinarity and interaction between the teams. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the professionals provide care both individually and collectively and the care takes place both in the basic health unit and at home. However, it is still common to relate their activities to clinical and care practice.