Physiotherapy work process in primary health care in a Brazilian municipality: qualitative study

Objective The aim of this study was to analyze the work process of physiotherapists in primary health care (PHC) and the repercussions of work management practices. Methods A qualitative study that used semi-structured interviews with nineteen physiotherapists, two management physiotherapists and a coordinator of PHC in municipality in Southern Brazil. Data were analyzed using the methodological framework of discourse analysis. Results Through the analyzed speeches, the work routine of physiotherapists working in basic health units in the municipality studied mainly involves individual care, group activities and home visits. The diversity of this routine is influenced by management, work teams, the characteristics of the assisted population and the professional profile of the physiotherapist. Measures that enhanced work effectiveness were the increase in the number of physiotherapists in the city over the years, effective interprofessional relationships, the possibility of working in a single health unit, and monthly meetings for continuing education. Among the weaknesses presented were the low effectiveness of the orthopedics protocol adopted in the municipality, poor access to secondary care, lack of knowledge about the physiotherapist's functions in PHC and limitations in infrastructure and financial resources. Conclusion Physiotherapy in primary care has been consolidated in the studied city, with effective management actions and increased access to professional, having a positive impact on resolving health conditions sensitive to this level of care.