Interconsultation favors resolution in Primary Care: a case report by the Family Health Strategy Support team in Paranaguá (PR)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the resolution and effects of interconsultation strategy promoted through the insertion of psychology, physiotherapy, hearing and speech therapists and nutrition professionals (support team) in a Basic Health Unit (UBS) of the city of Paranaguá. This is a pilot project in primary health care (PHC), which combined, in an exploratory fashion, qualitative and quantitative methodologies to support the future implementation of the Family Health Support Centers (NASF). The proposal was organized in stages: 1) staff familiarization with UBS; 2) dialogical integration among different specialties and professions (team meetings); 3) expert technical support offered to the team (action qualification); 4) proposal of interconsultation practices (collaborative action of professionals from different areas). Data of the users attended through interconsultation were tabulated by the following variables: referral ; resolution in primary care; referral to secondary care; referral site; main actions. Subjects with an average age of 18.43 ± 20.83 of both genders were assessed/screened, from November 2015 to July 2016. It was found that the practice of interconsultation led to the resolution of 56.5% of cases, and facilitated the practice of referrals and cases follow-up. Most cases of referrals were those that needed specialists. It is concluded that intervention activities in PHC are favored by interconsultation and allow the resolution in cases that, without the presence of the support network of professionals, would be sent directly to secondary care.