Assistência de enfermagem na doença falciforme nos serviços de atenção básica

Abstract

Sickle cell disease is one of the oldest diseases known to mankind. It arises from a genetic mutation that mainly occurs on the Africa Continent. With the forced immigration during slavery, the gene arrived in Brazilian. Thus, it was perceived that the disease is hereditary, incurable and has high morbidity and mortality, with its treatment traditionally understood as the competence of hematology centers. In the 1990s thanks to the social movements formed by friends, relatives and patients with the disease the social organization and demands for public healthcare policies was initiated. In 2001, the examination that detects sickle cell disease was included in the National Newborn Screening Program in 12 states of Brazil. In 2005, a national law included the treatment of sickle cell disease in the Government Healthcare System. Thus, new challenges appeared for nursing professionals: qualified care of sickle cell patients in basic healthcare. This article focuses on cultural, social and healthcare aspects of nursery. Thus, it is hoped that this work contribute to the qualified basic healthcare of these patients.