The role of speech-language therapists in primary healthcare from the perspective of professionals in family health support centers

Purpose: To analyze the perception of professionals constituting Family Health Support Centers (FHSC) of a capital in the South Region of Brazil regarding the role of speech-language therapy professionals in primary care (PC). Method: This is a qualitative, observational cross-sectional study. All professionals constituting the FHSC who voluntarily agreed to collaborate with the research participated in this study. A semi-structured questionnaire was applied containing information about the professional profile and activities developed in PC. Results: Health professionals perform actions that would allow for the joint participation of speech-language therapy professionals, since this category is not contemplated in the staff members that constitute the municipality team analyzed. According to the questionnaire, referrals to speech-language therapy professionals are mainly related children issues with speech and language. Little knowledge on the contribution of speech-language sciences regarding interdisciplinary actions was found. Conclusion: The participants of this study demonstrated a reductionist perception regarding speech-language sciences in PC. In addition, the actions performed by the professionals of this study are directed towards what the speech-language professional could contribute instead. Further studies could demonstrate the benefits that speech-language professionals can provide to the activities performed.