Health education program and auriculotherapy for the elderly population with chronic pain: social technology in Primary Health Care

Abstract

Introduction: The study identifies as a problem the lack of resoluteness in referrals for acupuncture among older adults in an integrated Outpatient Medical Care/Primary Health Care Unit.Objective: To analyze the development of a social technology aimed at addressing the demand related to the lack of resoluteness in referrals for acupuncture among older adults in an integrated Outpatient Medical Care/Primary Health Care Unit. Methods: This is a case study developed through the construction of a health education program associated with the provision of auriculotherapy for the older population with chronic pain in the context of Primary Health Care. Using a qualitative approach, eighteen health workers from an integrated Outpatient Medical Care/Primary Health Care Unit located in the southeastern region of the city of São Paulo participated in the study. The methodological framework was based on Participatory Planning, mobilizing Participatory Rapid Appraisal, construction and validation of an Analytical Flowchart, and action planning.Results: The product collectively developed was named Health Education Program associated with the provision of auriculotherapy for the older population with chronic pain. This investigation is relevant for discussing participatory processes for implementing educational strategies integrated with Integrative Practices in the context of Primary Health Care, enabling broader reach and replication based on the case presented herein.Conclusion: The study highlights challenges and potentialities in implementing a health education program, indicating that the identification of demands in the daily routine of Primary Health Care and the collective participation of professionals in the construction of social technologies are central elements for expanding access to integrative practices.