Occupational therapy practice with puerperal women in the actions of the family health support center

Abstract

Introduction: Occupational Therapy works in Primary Care through the Family Health Support Center, collaborating to promote comprehensive health monitoring for the population served by SUS. Among the people assisted are women in the puerperium, the period between childbirth until the next six and eight weeks is marked by several changes for those who experience it. Objective: To investigate the role of occupational therapists with postpartum women in Primary Care actions at Family Health Support Center in Recife-PE. Method: A qualitative exploratory study, carried out between April and May 2022, with eight occupational therapists working in Recife-PE. As a research instrument, a semi-structured interview script was produced. For analysis, the Collective Subject Discourse technique was used. Results: The professionals report difficulties to work as a team with postpartum women due to the lack of knowledge of the possibilities of assistance on the part of the Family Health Teams. Despite this, they carry out several actions aimed at the field of action and the core of knowledge of Occupational Therapy. Among the actions carried out are home visits, individual and shared care, group care, breastfeeding support, guidance to postpartum women and support network, mental health care, guidance and resumption of occupational roles, routine structuring and guidance or support for daily activities. Conclusion: Based on the understanding of occupation and occupational performance, the practice of occupational therapists at team represents benefits to the health of women assisted during the puerperium.