The role of speech-language therapists in primary healthcare from the perspective of professionals in family health support centers

Abstract

Purpose: To analyze the perception of professionals constituting Family Health Support Centers (FHSC) of a capital in the South Region of Brazil regarding the role of speech-language therapy professionals in primary care (PC). Method: This is a qualitative, observational cross-sectional study. All professionals constituting the FHSC who voluntarily agreed to collaborate with the research participated in this study. A semi-structured questionnaire was applied containing information about the professional profile and activities developed in PC. Results: Health professionals perform actions that would allow for the joint participation of speechlanguage therapy professionals, since this category is not contemplated in the staff members that constitute the municipality team analyzed. According to the questionnaire, referrals to speech-language therapy professionals are mainly related children issues with speech and language. Little knowledge on the contribution of speechlanguage sciences regarding interdisciplinary actions was found. Conclusion: The participants of this study demonstrated a reductionist perception regarding speech-language sciences in PC. In addition, the actions performed by the professionals of this study are directed towards what the speech-language professional could contribute instead. Further studies could demonstrate the benefits that speech-language professionals can provide to the activities performed.