Abstract
Abstract Objective: To identify the qualification of and to know the work of Family Health Strategy nurses in oncology care. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study, using a quantitative approach, was conducted with 77 nurses working in the Family Health Strategy units of Campo Grande, state of Mato Grosso do Sul. Primary data were collected in structured interviews, using a form with closed-ended questions. Results: Professional training in oncology care is less frequent, reflecting a high lack of knowledge regarding the National Policy on Oncology Care. It was evidenced that 95% of the professionals assisted oncology patients, with home visits and nursing appointments being the most prevalent methods. Regarding the National Policy on Oncology Care, 96% of the nurses declared that they did not know about it. Conclusion: There was evidence of weakness in the care provided by the nurses to oncology patients and the need for investment in continuing education for professional nurses regarding oncology care.
Highlights
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that by the year 2030, there will be 27 million cases of cancer, with 17 million deaths, and 75 million people annually living with cancer.[1]
In 2005, the Brazilian Ministry of Health (MH) created the Brazilian National Policy on Oncology Care (PNAO, as per its acronym in Portuguese), which determined that cancer patients should receive care that includes the different levels of care, i.e., medium- and high-complexity, primary and specialized care, with actions focused on the individual and the community, on health promotion and cancer prevention, as well as on timely diagnosis and support for tumor therapy and palliative care.[3]
In the analysis of the sociodemographic and professional characteristics of the Family Health Strategy (FHS) nurses, the study found a predominance of women (91%), in the age group of 31 to 40 years (54%), with a permanent employment contract (77%), and time spent in the FHS and in the assigned area of 24 to 72 months, corresponding to 40% and 46%, respectively
Summary
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that by the year 2030, there will be 27 million cases of cancer, with 17 million deaths, and 75 million people annually living with cancer.[1]. In 2005, the Brazilian Ministry of Health (MH) created the Brazilian National Policy on Oncology Care (PNAO, as per its acronym in Portuguese), which determined that cancer patients should receive care that includes the different levels of care, i.e., medium- and high-complexity, primary and specialized care, with actions focused on the individual and the community, on health promotion and cancer prevention, as well as on timely diagnosis and support for tumor therapy and palliative care.[3]. Basic care (AB), a structuring scenario for the development of several actions in the control of neoplasms, is the user's gateway into health services, being characterized as a local privileged place for promotion and prevention actions.[4] The Family Health Strategy (FHS) should work focusing on family care, the development of bonds, care longitudinality and comprehensiveness, and on the action of population health determinants.[5]. Nurses who are members of a FHS team have a position of relevance because they play a proactive role in their activities and stand out as the most prepared and available professionals to support and guide patients and their families in the process of illness, treatment and rehabilitation.[7]
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