Saúde bucal em atenção domiciliar: a construção de um plano de cuidado interprofissional

Abstract

The Brazilian population is experiencing an aging process characterized by longevity and consequent changes in its disease profile, which is reflected in the increase of housebound people requiring multidisciplinary home health care. Given this scenario, this study analyzes the creation of an interprofessional oral health plan for home care. This exploratory research has a critical-analytical, qualitative approach. The research was developed using the action research method and data production workshops, following approval by the Research Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Ceará under the opinion n° 3,420,571, with the subsequent amendment n° 3,618,327. The research participants were 10 professionals from different categories in a primary health care unit in Fortaleza. The workshops took place in June and August 2019 and were recorded using audio, video, and photographs. In addition to these records, the portfolio also included information observed at these meetings. The data were organized, analyzed, and discussed through the systematization of experiences and autobiographical narratives. The first of the three workshops addressed the knowledge and practices of the participants regarding the theme in question. The second was an educational activity on the topic, and the work plan was constructed in the final meeting. The participants concluded that several professional categories could contribute to the promotion of oral health for home care, which is fragmented in the service. The data pointed to the need for permanent education actions as the main instrument to reverse this situation. As part of a health teams’ work procedures, permanent education can contribute to a collaborative practice among professionals to provide comprehensive home care. The limited number of research participants does not allow for generalizations but indicates the feasibility of holding meetings, in which teams can evaluate their practices, plan, and develop new ways of coping with the difficulties inherent in providing oral health for home care.