O trabalho do fisioterapeuta na atenção primária à saúde em um município de médio porte

Abstract

Primary Health Care (PHC) is the main entry point to the health system and is responsible for delivering comprehensive and longitudinal care. With the implementation of Multidisciplinary Teams in PHC (eMulti), the inclusion of different professional categories has expanded, including physiotherapy, with the potential to strengthen health promotion, prevention, and continuity of care. This study aimed to analyze the work of physiotherapists in PHC in the municipality of Caruaru, Pernambuco, based on recorded service output, by identifying temporal trends between 2013 and 2024, characterizing the types of procedures performed, and examining aspects of the work process from professionals’ perceptions. This was a mixed- methods case study. In the quantitative component, secondary data from the Primary Care Health Information System (SISAB) were analyzed, and temporal trends were assessed using joinpoint regression. In the qualitative component, interviews were conducted with physiotherapists working in PHC and were analyzed through Content Analysis. Results showed a predominance of individual consultations, accounting for 89.58% of the total recorded production between 2013 and 2024, with higher frequencies of scheduled consultations (33.85%), same-day consultations (28.12%), and walk-in demand/initial assessment (25.06%). Collective activities represented a smaller share, with Group care (4.85%), Collective assessment/Procedure (2.96%), and Health education (1.45%) standing out, as well as very low frequencies of Social mobilization (0.51%) and Intersectoral meetings (0.26%). Interviews indicated an expanded understanding of the physiotherapist’s role in PHC, including territory- based care, relationship-building, qualified listening, and health promotion; however, this was constrained by high demand, the centrality of individual care, and working conditions that limit the feasibility of collective actions. In conclusion, physiotherapists’ work in PHC in Caruaru- PE is consolidating but remains strongly oriented toward individual practices, indicating the need to reorganize the work process, improve record keeping, and strengthen strategies to expand collective and educational activities.