PERIARTICULAR INFILTRATION IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE

Rheumatological disease is of high economical and social significance in Portugal, representing 16-23% of contacts in primary health care settings. Musculoskeletal infiltrations are seen as an important adjuvant therapy in the approach of articular and periarticular disease. According to a number of authors, these techniques can be performed by general practitioners, as long as they possess the necessary training and the required logistical and organizational conditions are met. Implementing periarticular infiltrations in primary health care (PHC) would result in a reduction in work absentism, higher patient satisfaction, a lower number of patient contacts, and a rise in team motivation in primary health care units, as well as in a widening of the general practitioner’s activities and skills. This measure could also allow for better articulation and complementarity between different levels of health care. Goal: To show the relevance of periarticular infiltrations in the setting of PHC by measuring the self-perception of improvement experienced by patients submitted to the procedures that took place in the São João do Estoril Family Health Unit during the year of 2015. Methods:The data referring to patient satisfaction was gathered by phone interviews done at a minimum of two weeks post-procedure, and through the application of the a Likert-like self-perception scale. Conclusions: This study reinforces the importance of the availability of this therapeutical option in PHC settings. These relatively simple, safe and cost-effective techniques should be encouraged and included in the learning of general practitioners.