Follow-up of cancer patients by family health workers

Rev Lat Am Enfermagem. 2010 Sep-Oct;18(5):856-63. doi: 10.1590/s0104-11692010000500004.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brazil
  • Caregivers* / psychology
  • Continuity of Patient Care*
  • Emotions
  • Family Health*
  • House Calls
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Patient Care Team*
  • Primary Health Care*
  • Social Support
  • Surveys and Questionnaires