A atuação do fonoaudiólogo na atenção primária à saúde no contexto da pandemia da Covid-19 no Rio Grande do Norte

Abstract

Objective: To understand the work of the speech therapist in the Primary Health Care units of Rio Grande do Norte (RN) in the context of the covid-19 pandemic. Methods: This is a qualitative research, of the case study type, in which speech therapists who work in the Family Health Strategy (ESF) were interviewed in the context of the covid-19 pandemic in the State of Rio Grande do Norte. Results: The analysis of the data produced allowed us to identify the role of the speech therapist in Primary Health Care in the context of the covid-19 pandemic in Rio Grande do Norte. Three categories emerged from the analysis: the role of the speech therapist before the covid-19 pandemic; the work process of the speech therapist in the covid-19 pandemic; the limits and potential of the speech therapist's performance during the covid-19 pandemic. Conclusion: So that the PHC with the ESFs can play a strategic role in health protection, in the prevention and control of infectious diseases, as is the case with covid-19. 19, the importance of strengthening the SUS is essential, ensuring the necessary investments and training. It is also necessary to recognize the importance of the work performed by all the professionals who make up these teams.