Offer of complementary therapies by Extended Family Health Center professionals: reaffirming holistic and integral care

Abstract

This study analyzes the implantation and implementation of Complementary Therapies (CT), as well as its limits and potentialities in Primary Health Care (PHC) services of a São Paulo health region, from the perspective of NASFExtended Family Health Centers (NASF) professionals. A quantitative and qualitative study was conducted with data collected by means of a questionnaire and online semi-structured interview, and examined using descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis. Three thematic units emerged from the data set: (Un)structured purchase of CT-related materials; CT as expanded, resolutive and integral care; and (un)structured allocation of professionals to CT. In a context marked by policies aimed at dismantling the NASF and SUS, continuity of care with CT offered by NASF professionals emerges as resistance practice that reaffirms life and reiterates longitudinality, embracement and integrality, essential to PHC and SUS.