INNOVATION IN FEMININE CARE: COLLECTION OF PCCU INTEGRATED WITH CUPPING THERAPY IN A PRIMARY HEALTH CARE UNIT

Abstract

Innovation in women's health care has gained prominence, especially in Basic Health Units (UBS). Cervical cancer screening (PCCU) screening is crucial for early detection of precancerous lesions. However, many women still face challenges that lead them to avoid the screening, such as physical discomfort and emotional issues. By integrating Integrative and Complementary Health Practices, such as cupping therapy, in the context of PCCU collection, a more humanized approach is sought, which helps to overcome these barriers and promotes greater adherence to the test. Cupping therapy, a traditional Chinese medicine technique, offers benefits such as stress relief and the promotion of general well-being, and can positively influence the patients' experience during the nursing consultation. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and benefits of integrating cupping therapy into the PCCU post-collection care in a UBS in the state of Tocantins, with a focus on providing more holistic and welcoming care for patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in a Basic Health Unit (BHU) located in the state of Tocantins, with the objective of evaluating the integration of Pap smear collection (PCCU) with cupping therapy. 13 women who underwent the PCCU test were attended, who were selected according to the inclusion criteria of the research, all of whom were over 18 years of age and had no contraindications for cupping therapy. After the nursing consultation, in which information about the PCCU test was provided and doubts were clarified, the participants collected the microscopic sample. Once the collection was completed, the patients were sent to a reserved and quiet room, where a cupping session was performed. The application of cupping therapy was done by the nursing students accompanied by the preceptor at specific points of the body, with the objective of promoting relaxation and relief of muscle tension, creating an environment of comfort for the women during the care process. Each cupping therapy session lasted an average of 20 to 30 minutes, and was adjusted according to the needs of each patient. All services were recorded in the Electronic Citizen Record (PEC). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The patients reported that cupping contributed to the reduction of anxiety and discomfort, which can facilitate adherence to the preventive exam. In addition, participants mentioned an increase in overall well-being, highlighting the benefits of the integrated approach. The insertion of complementary practices, such as cupping therapy, is a promising strategy to improve the experience of women's preventive care in the UBS, contributing to greater adherence to routine exams. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The integration of cupping therapy during PCCU collection proved to be a viable and effective strategy to humanize women's health care. The approach reduced patients' discomfort and anxiety, suggesting a potential to increase adherence to the preventive exam. Future studies are needed to evaluate the long-term effects of this intervention and its applicability in different health settings.