Supported self-care actions for children and teenagers with chronic diseases

Abstract

Objective: to analyze actions of Primary Health Care teams from the perspective of supported self-care for children and adolescents with chronic diseases. Method: a qualitative study, conducted between April and August 2016, with 11 primary care professionals from a municipality of Paraíba, Brazil. A semi-structured interview supported data collection; and a thematic analysis backed interpretation, which categorized the actions according to the 5 A ‘s methodology (Evaluation, Guidance, Agreement, Assistance, Follow-up). Results: there were insufficient actions in the specific care plans. Isolated interventions are performed including: assessment of barriers to self-care and emotional state of the individual; provision of information on signs, symptoms of disease and treatment; stimulating the search for community resources; actions inherent to professional training; and follow-up by active search and home visits. Conclusions: actions in Primary Health Care do not yet value the active and co-responsible role of the individual in the control of their disease, with gaps to be overcome in the five pillars of supported self-care. Intervention studies are recommended that train professionals regarding supported self-care of these individuals.