Percepção do enfermeiro frente à avaliação dermatoneurológica em Hanseníase

Abstract

Introduction: Leprosy is a disease that remains being a major public health problem in Brazil. For its control, it is known that is necessary the early diagnosis and treatment. The diagnosis of the disease is, essentially, clinical and epidemiological and is done through dermatoneurological evaluation. Among the nurse's assignments of Primary Health Care is the assignment to take this exam. Objective: To analyze the nurses' perception regarding the dermatoneurological evaluation in Hansen's disease. Methods: This is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach conducted based on semi-structured interviews with 10 nurses who work in Primary Health Care in the municipality of Sinop-MT. Subsequently, the data were analyzed and the following categories of analysis were found: Characterization of nurses from PHC in Sinop-MT; Knowledge regarding dermatoneurological assessment; Reports on the practice of dermatoneurological assessment; and, Procedural perception of nurse’s dermatoneurological assessment. Results: Nurses are able to conceptualize the dermatoneurological evaluation, specifying their main purposes, however, a subjective weakness in the know-how is apprehended. Conclusion: The dermatoneurological evaluation in leprosy is perceived as something subjective of a stressful experience, however, its importance is emphasized when nurses recognize it as the only method to reach the diagnosis of this disease.