Implementation process of the strategy of surveillance of chronic musculoskeletal pain in basic health care. Case report

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic pain is a persistent indicator for the basic health care. It is estimated that between 30 and 40% of Brazilians suffer some chronic pain, including musculoskeletal pain, making necessary the development of strategies to cope with such indicator. In light of the above, this study aimed at reporting the experience of the implementation process of the Strategy of Surveillance of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain in basic health care of the city of Maracanaú/CE. METHODS: This is a qualitative and interpretative study by means of description of the strategy implementation process stages. RESULTS: The Strategy of Surveillance of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain flowchart was based on and made up of an open cycle, where patients admitted to the unit with musculoskeletal pain were submitted to initial evaluation by the nursing team, and then were referred to the physician for clinical consultation and diagnosis of referred pain. In case of chronic musculoskeletal pain, patients were referred to physiotherapy. CONCLUSION: The implementation of the strategy has allowed for more systematic integration among Family Health Strategy professionals. For physiotherapists, the experience has brought further guidance as to the actions of the category in basic health care with regard to prevention, promotion and health education.