The role of occupational therapy in primary health care: Perspectives from professors and students

Abstract

The objective of this research was to understand how perspectives of Brazilian professors and students on the role of occupational therapy in Primary Health Care (PHC). This is an exploratory study with a qualitative methodology, data provided through semi-structured interviews with 17 documents and nine conversation circles with the participation of 67 students. The thematic analysis revealed two categories: 1 - The contributions of occupational therapy for Primary Health Care and 2 - The specific role of occupational therapy in Primary Health Care. The contributions and the role of occupational therapy encompass the provision of comprehensive care, the understanding of daily life, and the promotion of participation in activities in different areas of the lives of the people assisted. However, occupational therapy can still be further explored so that it is possible to systematize the most detailed and in-depth way as practices in PHC.