Acesso ao tratamento da tuberculose droga resistente no ambulatório de tisiologia do Ceará: uma análise avaliativa

Abstract

To evaluate the access of patients reported with Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (DRTB) to the Phthisiology Outpatient Clinic of Hospital de Messejana Dr. Carlos Alberto Studart Gomes. Specific Objectives: (1) Map the access route of patients notified of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB), from the Primary Health Unit (UPS) to admission to the phthisiology outpatient clinic; (2) Understand the perceptions of patients and health professionals regarding access to the phthisiology outpatient clinic; (3) Identify the possible barriers faced in accessing DRTB treatment experienced by patients, from the perspective of patients and professionals. Methods:This is a qualitative, exploratory research, based on interviews with patients and health professionals, carried out through a semi-structured interview script at the Phthisiology Outpatient Clinic of Hospital Dr. Carlos Albert Studart. The sample involved 15 patients undergoing treatment in 2024 and 07 health professionals who work at the outpatient clinic. The interviews were recorded and analyzed through content analysis with thematic categorization, structured in the following thematic axes: (1) Access route; (2) Patients' perception; (3) Health professionals' perception; (4) Access barriers; (5) Treatment adherence and impact on patients' lives; (6) Satisfaction and Recommendations. Results: The results revealed that the journey to access the specialised service was marked by initial difficulties, such as the pilgrimage between health units and the lack of adequate guidance. Patients and professionals pointed to structural barriers (transport, distance, service infrastructure), as well as subjective aspects such as fear, stigma and low adherence to prolonged treatment. Professionals reported challenges in the organisation of care, bonding strategies and coordination with the healthcare network. Conclusion: Access to treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis remains marked by inequalities that jeopardise comprehensive care, requiring more effective strategies for reception, information and social support. The research highlights the importance of expanding public policies that guarantee humanised and continuous access, valuing the perceptions of the subjects involved as a subsidy for improving health care in the context of DR-TB.