Occupational therapy and hiperdia group

Abstract

Introduction:

Hypertension and diabetes are highly prevalent chronic diseases, with social costs that have increased significantly, representing an important public health problem, and negatively impacting quality of life. The hiperdia operative group is an important strategy for raising awareness about self-care, one of the preventive measures of secondary damage.

Objective:

To describe the process experienced as an Occupational Therapy intern in a hiperdia group, describing the activities undertaken. We sought to contribute to the much needed discussions about the current education model operating health in these groups.

Method:

Report of the experience during compulsory training in primary care, with the hiperdia group, developed in the city of João Pessoa/PB, from August to December 2014.

Results:

The curriculum was developed through group discussions, dynamics and art. These have resulted in raising the group’s awareness about self-care, clarification of doubts about the Occupational Therapy, empowering knowledge, greater participation and involvement of users. We noticed that the groups’ educational activities still carry remnants of the traditional model of education in health, focusing on the disease and information in a “bank” mode. This model leads to guilt, frustration and dropouts.

Conclusion:

It is essential to understand the person in its entirety. Professionals should be involved in the continuing education process. Occupational therapists are highly relevant in this context that provides effective actions.

Keywords:
Diabetes Mellitus; Hypertension; Primary Health Care; Occupational Therapy; Chronic Diseases