The organization of the DOTS at a Sanitary District of Natal/RN, 2009

Resumo

Objective: to analyse the organization of the DOTS regarding the active search for individuals with respiratory symptoms and Supervised Treatment (ST) by Family Health Teams from a Sanitary District located in Natal, RN. Methods: it is a descriptive and exploratory study with a quantitative approach including 62 health staff members of 11 Health Family Unit. The subjects were interviewd based on professional category, their involvement in DOTS, the managers' contributions to a sustainability strategy and difficulties for the DOTS sustainability. Results: with regard to years of training, it was found an average of 19.7, 17.4 and 19.8 years for nurses, nursing assistants and doctors, respectively. All nurses and physicians indicated that they know the DOTS and work with TB control in health facilities. Regarding the modalities of training offered by the Municipal Health Service (SMS), the majority of the participants indicated having participated in training courses. The SMS, according to health professionals, has contributed to implement the DOTS strategy by providing training, material resources and / or medicines. The interviewed mentioned some difficulties, as delays in test results. Conclusion: the actions taken by the professionals of the Family Health Teams from the Sanitary District West are most well structured in the ST.