The role of the speech therapist in Primary Health Care (PHC) from the perspective of the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

Objective: To describe speech therapy work in Primary Health Care (PHC) during the COVID-19 pandemic in the state of Paraíba. Methods: Quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional study. The sample consists of 15 speech therapists with more than 1 year of experience in PHC. A characterization instrument was developed and disseminated through digital media, participants were directed to an online filling platform. The analysis was carried out using categorization and descriptive sampling. Results: the majority of speech therapists have a degree and work not only in PHC but also in private services and cultural production. The population assisted during the pandemic period was mostly young people/adults and elderly people, most frequently experiencing loss of taste and smell, dry cough, among others. In most cases, speech therapists who worked during the pandemic period, most of whom were infected with the virus, had access to PPE and speech therapy gained visibility in the multidisciplinary team. The professionals did not have support for using Telephonoaudiology and social isolation was the main interference reported. Conclusion: speech therapy expanded its operations and vision within multidisciplinary teams. The resources used to assist the population were digital media for convenience.