PRIMARY HEALTH CARE IN COMPREHENSIVE AND INTERSECTORIAL CARE FOR WOMEN IN A SITUATION OF VIOLENCE IN THE MIDDLE OF NORTHEAST BRAZILIAN
Violence against Women. Family Health Strategy. Primary Health Care,. Intersectoriality.
Domestic and family violence is a serious public health problem in the world, constituting one of the main aspects of violation of human rights, as it affects health, physical integrity, the right to life. The objective of this study is to analyze the role of Primary Health Care (PHC) in the care of women in situations of domestic and family violence in the city of Parelhas/RN, from the perspective of intersectoriality and comprehensive care. This is a descriptive and exploratory research, with a qualitative approach. The investigation took place between February and March 2022, through the use of a field diary and semi-structured individual interviews with professionals who work in the Basic Health Units (UBS), in the Expanded Nucleus of Family Health and Primary Care. (NASF-AB) and in the Health Management of the municipality. 7 professionals who are part of the PHC participated in the research. The results demonstrate a fragile, disjointed network, without established flows and protocols, in which the dialogue between services is limited to individual referrals. In addition, PHC professionals find it difficult to identify most of the services that make up the care network, making it impossible to offer a quality and resolute service. However, they point to potentialities, such as the recognition of the strategic and important role of PHC as a gateway for women in situations of violence. There is an urgent need to strengthen public policies and the service network for these women, being essential to offer permanent education and the construction of spaces that allow health professionals to exchange experiences and opinions, carrying out self-assessment and reflecting on the limits and individual capabilities.