Mão diabética: avaliação da prática semiológica sistemática na Atenção Primária à Saúde

Abstract

Introduction. Diabetic hand is the term used to refer to the set of manifestations and diseases most frequently seen in the hands of diabetics. Studies have shown that these disorders have reached up to 50% of diabetic individuals, causing loss or reduction of autonomy and negative impact on quality of life. In this scenario Primary Health Care should be seen as fundamental for the early detection of these changes as well as to prevent them, since it is where most of the monitoring and monitoring of diabetic people occurs. Objective. To evaluate the knowledge and semiological practice of the diabetic hand in Primary Health Care. Methods. It is a cross-sectional study carried out in primary health care units in the city of Salvador-Ba. This study included 40 professionals from physicians, medicine students, physiotherapists and nurses. In the data collection, we used a semi-structured questionnaire that was self-applicable and non-identifiable, which was answered by the participants after the approval of the Research Ethics Committee and after the signing of the Informed Consent Term. Results. 50% of the sample were physicians, 25% nurses, 5% physiotherapists and 20% medicine students. Of the general group, 70% were unaware of the term diabetic hand, 57.5% reported knowing diseases in the hands associated with diabetes, and 57.5% stated that they had already seen changes and diseases in the hands of diabetic patients, the five being more frequent: loss of sensitivity in 18 (45%) occurrences, wounds in 9 (22.5%) reports, movement limitation in 7 (17.5%), trigger finger mentioned in 7 (17.5%) times, and rigidity also in 7 (17.5%). 17.5% (7) reported to examine the hands of diabetics always, 22.5% (9) almost always, 42.5% (17) rarely and 17.5% (7) never. 5% (2) stated that they always advised patients to take care of their hands, 22.5% (9) almost always, 32.5% (13) rarely and 40% (16) never oriented. Discussion. The study showed that the diabetic hand has not received the necessary attention at the level of health care. The lack of knowledge and underestimation of these complications can contribute to many cases that go undetected, aggravating and compromising the quality of life of those affected. Conclusions. The existence of the diabetic hand is unquestionable, its comlications bring negative impacts as well as the foot and, therefore, the hands exam needs to be adopted as a routine practice, focusing on early detection and intervention, and prevention.