Adaptação de serviços de referência para pessoas vivendo com HIV/AIDS durante a pandemia de COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction: The covid-19 pandemic has brought negative impacts to different healthcare settings, with a high person-to-person transmission rate and grave consequences, mainly to healthcare systems and the vulnerable population, making access to the necessary care each time more difficult. Thus, these services need to modify their assistance, aiming to preserve quality and effectiveness, since a well-structured and prepared healthcare system is able to maintain equal access to essential services during an emergency. Therefore, limiting direct mortality and avoiding a rise in indirect mortality. Objective: Describe the adaptations that occurred in healthcare referral services regarding the care for individuals living with HIV/Aids in the covid-19 pandemic scenario. Methodology: The research is of a quantitative exploratory descriptive nature, data surveying and interviews were carried out. All professionals who are part of the specialized assistance services (Serviços de Assistência Especializada) were invited to participate in the study. The research was authorized by the ethics and research committee (Comitê de Ética e Pesquisa) under the protocol CAAE 46795521.5.0000.5013. Subsequently to approval, data collection was conducted during August 2021 and January 2022. Results: A total of 50 interviews were performed, 32 were carried out in Institution A and 18 in Institution B. The sample was comprised of a majority of females (72%), married individuals (54%), individuals with a mean monthly income of 6-9 minimum wages (28%), individuals aged 55 or more (28%), and referring to professional categories, the majority of participants were nurses (20%). The main modifications that occurred in the scenarios where data was collected were the distribution of supplies and materials to prevent contamination from SARS-CoV-2, bigger intervals between consultations and the expansion of the time in months for the dispensing of medications, the orientation of patients concerning preventative measures against covid-19 according to official recommendations based on the scientific literature, and orientation to general services and cleaning staff on measures of protection against covid-19. Conclusion: Faced with the facts addressed, it is evident that the pandemic brought diverse impacts to HIV healthcare referral services, as well as its users. Such scenario created challenges that may be overcome with interdisciplinary teamwork and institutional support, as well as collaboration and engagement of patients in the modifications proposed.