Abstract
Background:
While caring the patients with sickle cell anemia, shared care coordinated by Primary Health Care is essential. Family health professionals must commit to care, and an articulated healthcare network is necessary. This study aimed to understand the visions of family health professionals about health care for patients with sickle cell anemia.
Method:
Qualitative research was carried out in Diamantina, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, with nurses and physicians of the Family Health Strategy (ESF). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 professionals and the results were submitted to content thematic analysis.
Results:
Two thematic categories emerged: "assistance to the person with sickle cell anemia: fragilities in the context of the Family Health Strategy" and "reference and counterreference in care: a fragmented network." Challenges to overcome were revealed: systematic follow-up was incipient; responsibility for care was attributed mainly to the blood center service; and the reference and counter-reference system presented fragmentation.
Conclusions:
In the ESF scenario, care requires advances to be of better quality, with effective team performance and a well-structured care network.
Keywords:
anemia, sickle cell; delivery of health care; national health strategies; primary health care; qualitative research