Projetos de cuidado em Fisioterapia

Abstract

Despite the historical fight to prove themselves as health professionals, in many situations physiotherapy care practices bring to surface the physiotherapist's function of a mere executor of practical techniques, which used to be attributed to them at the very beginning of their profession. However, when the practice resumes to a set of techniques and the treatment consist of a routine of mechanical acts, the physiotherapist compromises the relationship therapist-patient, leading to a tangent out of healthcare principles. The described situation favor the technical success, measured by the efficiency in the execution, with detriment to the overall success of the practical success, measured by the benefits the treatment brings to the health of patients. To achieve practical success, it is fundamental to question what people (both professionals and patients) dream for their lives, health and what are their life and success projects. In that regard, it is mandatory that healthcare professionals consider their objectives and goals, since they are the starting point for therapeutic plans and each individuals care project. This works investigates deeply the elements that compose the construction of physiotherapy care plans, starting with the reflection of the physiotherapists themselves. A qualitative methodology based semi-structured interviews gathered evidence of life and work of professionals. The answers were analyzed as a whole and three categories were identified: professional practices, relationship patient doctor and reflections. The answers pointed that the current practices aims to eliminate the relationship professional-patient, transforming the professional in a mere service provider instead of a care provider. Deprived from the relationship, the practice resumes to a collection of independent procedures and undermining any possibility of practical success. In that case, it is not the technique that originates the mechanization, but the economics underlying the physiotherapeutic care. This situation can only happen through a process of subordination of the professional and his domain of knowledge, which are strongly correlated to exploratory and predatory working conditions. The monetary policy underlying the care which facilitates the restriction over the work conditions it is also a result of those working conditions, in a vicious cycle. The problem is that this restriction is viewed by professionals not as permanent, but as a stepping stone to reach recognition in the pursuit of the independent practice of physiotherapy. The intention of this study is not to create a norm of professional conduct, but to provide an outline of possible answers to the raised questions to: recognition, anxieties and concerns. This study aims to facilitate the process of assessment that pushes professionals out of their comfort zone.