THE ROLE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS IN HUMANIZED CARE FOR PATIENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE

Abstract

Humanization in health care has become a fundamental principle in the practices of Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS), aiming to promote person-centered care that values active listening, respect, and the uniqueness of each individual. In the case of people with disabilities, this humanized care takes on particular importance, given the multiple barriers they face in accessing health services, including physical, social, communication, and attitudinal obstacles. This study aimed to understand the role of health professionals in providing humanized care to people with disabilities through an integrative literature review. The adopted methodology consisted of an integrative review covering the period from 2020 to 2024. Searches were conducted in the LILACS database via the Virtual Health Library (VHL), using the descriptors “humanized care for patients with disabilities” and “patients with disabilities in primary care.” Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, resulting in the selection of five scientific articles. The results showed that humanized care for people with disabilities still faces significant challenges within primary health care. Major obstacles include inadequate professional training, a lack of human and technological resources, and regional inequalities that affect service quality. On the other hand, successful experiences were observed in teams that adopt person-centered care practices and work in an integrated and interdisciplinary manner. It is concluded that strengthening humanized care requires ongoing investment in professional training, improvements in service infrastructure, and the implementation of inclusive public policies. Such measures are essential to ensure equitable access, quality care, and the full exercise of the right to health for people with disabilities.