THE IMPORTANCE OF THE NCD CARE PATHWAY IN THE ORGANIZATION OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56238/arev8n4-037Keywords:
Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases, Care Pathway, Primary Health Care, Organization of Health Services, Comprehensive CareAbstract
Introduction: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) constitute one of the main challenges for contemporary health systems, being responsible for a high burden of morbidity and mortality and significant socioeconomic impacts. In this context, Primary Health Care (PHC) stands out as the main entry point to the Unified Health System (SUS), playing a fundamental role in coordinating care and organizing the Health Care Network. The implementation of the NCD care pathway emerges as an essential strategy to guarantee comprehensive care and strengthen the longitudinal follow-up of users. Objective: To emphasize the importance of the care pathway for Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) in the organization of Primary Health Care, highlighting its role in coordinating care, promoting comprehensive care, and continuously monitoring users within the Unified Health System. Methodology: This is a literature review study with a qualitative approach. The search was conducted in the Virtual Health Library (BVS) and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) databases using descriptors related to NCDs, Primary Health Care, and care pathways. Articles published between 2022 and 2025, available in full text and addressing the proposed theme, were included. Results and Discussion: The analyzed studies show that the organization of care pathways significantly contributes to improving care for people with chronic diseases, favoring integration between different levels of health care and promoting greater continuity of care. Furthermore, the work of multidisciplinary teams in the Family Health Strategy strengthens health promotion, health education, and risk factor monitoring actions, contributing to the prevention of complications and improving the quality of life of users. Final Considerations: It is concluded that the care pathway for NCDs in Primary Health Care is fundamental for the organization of care and for strengthening the comprehensiveness of care in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). Investing in health promotion initiatives, staff training, and service integration can contribute to improving the quality of care for chronic diseases and leading to better population health outcomes.
Downloads
References
BOUSQUAT, Aylene et al. The Brazilian primary health care response to the COVID-19 pandemic: individual and collective approaches. Frontiers in Public Health, v. 11, 2023. Disponível em: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1212584 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1212584
CALDEIRA, Thaís Cristina Marquezine et al. Temporal trend in the coexistence of risk behaviors for noncommunicable diseases in Brazil. Preventing Chronic Disease, v. 20, 2023. Disponível em: https://doi.org/10.5888/pcd20.220296 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5888/pcd20.220296
DA SILVA, Ana Gabriela et al. Multiple behavioral risk factors for non-communicable diseases among the adolescent population in Brazil. BMC Pediatrics, v. 24, 2024. Disponível em: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-024-04601-9 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-024-04601-9
DIAS, Larissa Santos Amorim et al. Chronic noncommunicable diseases and their associated factors in community health workers. Revista de Pesquisa em Saúde, v. 21, n. 4, 2023. Disponível em: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39132264/ DOI: https://doi.org/10.47626/1679-4435-2021-921
FERREIRA, Mariana R.; COSTA, André L. Linha de cuidado das doenças crônicas na Atenção Primária à Saúde. Saúde em Debate, 2023.
MALTA, Deborah Carvalho et al. Doenças crônicas não transmissíveis no Brasil: tendências e desafios. Epidemiologia e Serviços de Saúde, 2023.
MENDES, Eugênio Vilaça et al. Nursing consultations in primary health care in Brazil: management of chronic noncommunicable diseases. Revista Pan-Americana de Saúde Pública, 2025. Disponível em: https://journal.paho.org/en/articles/nursing-consultations-primary-health-care-brazil-distribution-and-productivity-management
POLATI, Amanda Morais et al. Coordenação do cuidado pela Atenção Primária à Saúde na atenção às pessoas com doenças crônicas. Medicina (Ribeirão Preto), v. 57, n. 4, 2024. Disponível em: https://revistas.usp.br/rmrp/article/view/220586 DOI: https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.2176-7262.rmrp.2024.220586
SILVA, Jéssica B. et al. Atenção Primária e o cuidado às doenças crônicas: desafios e perspectivas. Revista de Saúde Pública, 2023.
SOUZA, Carlos Alberto José de et al. Primary care performance measurement in Brazil (Previne Brasil Program), 2022–2023. BMC Health Services Research, v. 24, 2024. Disponível em: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-024-11409-x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-024-11409-x
SOUZA, Carlos D. F. et al. Indicadores de desempenho da Atenção Primária no Brasil. BMC Health Services Research, v. 24, 2024.
VIEIRA, Yohana Pereira et al. Health care utilization after COVID-19 in persons with noncommunicable diseases in Brazil. Ciência & Saúde Coletiva, 2025. Disponível em: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41059878/ DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/1413-81232025309.11922023
