O trabalho de fisioterapeutas da Atenção Básica em Saúde brasileira - construindo caminhos para o enfrentamento da pandemia da Covid-19

The work of Brazilian primary health care physiotherapists – developing paths to face the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: Primary Health Care (PHC) has been crucial in the medical care of patients with COVID-19 in interviewing and initial screening; early diagnoses, procedures and referrals; and in the physical, psychological, and social treatment and rehabilitation of people with sequelae of the disease. In Brazil, the political crisis directly impacts the uncontrolled pandemic, and there are many contagious patients and deaths, PHC, has multiprofessional teams that include a physical therapist and has played a significant role in combating the pandemic. Objective: this article seeks to highlight the role of physiotherapists in PHC for the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of users with COVID-19 and the biopsychosocial consequences they encounter, focusing on comprehensive care. Methods: This study discusses tools, actions, and practices that may aid in combatting COVID-19. Aside from these, the role of PHC physiotherapists in coping with the pandemic—whether in person, at home through telemedicine/telerehabilitation, or through occupational health practices—by contributing to epidemiological surveillance is also presented. Results and discussion: This article thus also intends to impact to physical therapy and rehabilitation and to measures that can be aligned with public health policies, associations and the health of individuals, community and society in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.