Challenges for physical therapist's inclusion in primary care: the administrators' perspective

Abstract

Objective Study aimed to identify how physical therapists are included in primary care (PC), the perspectives of health managers, and the role that the inclusion of this professional in the health team plays. Methods Qualitative study involving health secretaries of 22 municipalities in southern Brazil. Results 45 physiotherapists in the region were included in PC. One of these was in the Family Health Strategy (FHS), and two were in the Nuclei of Support to Family Health (NSFH). 13 administrators cited the physiotherapists as professionals solely for rehabilitation; others think that they have formation at a technical level. However, in municipalities that have included the professionals in the FHS / NSFH, they were identified as important members of the team. Among the difficulties of inclusion, the lack of financial resources for hiring was the most commonly reported factor. Discussion There is a limited understanding from health managers regarding the role of physiotherapists in PC, especially from the majority who do not have access to this professional in their family health teams. This is because the lack of prioritization in the allocation of budget funds is not conducive to the effective inclusion of professionals who are not considered by the law as part of the minimum team. The insertion of the physiotherapist PC is further limited; a magnification of the look of the managers of the possibilities of action of this professional is required, including as a health promoter.