Follow-up of cancer patients by family health workers.
This descriptive and quantitative study identified and analyzed follow-up actions developed by workers of 13 Family Health Teams (FHT) for cancer patients in a city in the Southeast of Brazil. A questionnaire validated by seven experts was applied to 101 workers. The results indicated that 80.2% of workers were aware of the existence of cancer patients in the FHT scope area; 13.9% were aware of the total number of cancer patients; and 63.3% delivered care to these patients; home visits were carried out by 93.1%; and 69% discussed cases during FHT meetings. Emotional support was the most frequent action among those offered by workers to caregivers. As to the joint work developed within the service network, 46.5% reported that there are no counter-referrals. The conclusion is that follow-up is not systematized; there are needs and possibilities within the Family Health Strategy for workers to follow-up with cancer patients and their caregivers.
Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, SP, Brazil. gsimino@yahoo.com.br
Giovana Paula Rezende
GP
Simino
Cláudia Benedita
CB
dos Santos
Silvana Martins
SM
Mishima
D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D004644:Emotions; D005192:Family Health; D006792:House Calls; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires