Follow-up of Cancer Patients by Family Health Workers

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.