INTERPROFESSIONAL CARE FOR PATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS AND PERIODONTITIS AND THE POSSIBILITIES IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes and periodontitis maintain a strong connection. Lack of diabetes control increases the risk of periodontal disease, which in turn can alter glucose metabolism and consequently hinder diabetes control. Objective: Report the experience of producing informative material with educational action on the bidirectional relationship between diabetes mellitus (DM) and periodontitis (PD), for continuing education in the context of Primary Health Care (PHC). Experience report: This is an educational experience associated with pharmaceutical and dental care for individuals with DM and PD. Initially, a folder was produced associated with an education action for PHC professionals in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The content of the folder and the action were constructed from consulting articles in electronic databases. The face-to-face educational action was developed by a Pharmacy resident, in small groups of professionals from a Health Unit (HU) in the municipality, the resident professional's field of practice. Community health agents, Nursing, Pharmacy, Medicine and Dentistry professionals who worked at the HU (n=15) participated in the action. The action consisted of an expository-dialogue presentation, addressing the main aspects of DM and PD, their relationship and prevention actions. For professionals who did not participate, a video was made available. The folder was delivered to professionals in person and made available at the US to other professionals and patients. It was also forwarded to the municipality's PHC Pharmaceutical and Dental Care coordination. Conclusion: The health education experience promoted communication and integration between PHC professionals, having the power to qualify teamwork and care for patients with DM and PD. Continuing education actions are relevant to interprofessional practice and should be recurring and encouraged.