The importance of nursing care in the diagnosis and treatment of leprosy in primary care

Abstract

Leprosy is a debilitating, infectious and contagious disease that can appear up to 10 years after infection. In the ESF, nursing is part of the collective work process and is directly involved in the periodic monitoring of leprosy, prevention, search for the disease, patient follow-up, management of control activities, registration systems and surveillance of periodic contacts. We sought to carry out a survey to identify the importance of nursing care in the face of leprosy. Methodology: This is a narrative, descriptive and exploratory literature review, with a qualitative approach, carried out through a bibliographical research. Data were collected from the SciELO, VHL and Google Scholar platforms. Results and discussions: Leprosy is a chronic disease with a high disabling power. Brazil has the second highest leprosy rate in the world. Although the numbers are high, Primary Care, through the SUS, promotes diagnostic and treatment strategies for the disease free of charge. Nurses are the most active professionals in the general care of patients in Primary Care, and assume a prominent role in the face of leprosy, through the nursing consultation, where they perform direct care and guide the patient to self-care, building a bond of trust, reducing treatment dropout rates. Final considerations: Nursing care has great relevance in the diagnosis and treatment of leprosy, with nurses being a fundamental agent within Primary Care. Recognition of this allows seeking greater appreciation for the professional class.