Longitudinal follow-up of an operative group on diabetes and hypertension in primary care

an experience report

Abstract

Introduction: Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases, such as Diabetes Mellitus and Arterial Hypertension, have high morbidity and mortality rates and a significant social impact, requiring continuous strategies for prevention, follow-up, and health promotion, as they increase cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic risks. In this context, operational groups constitute important tools in Primary Health Care for health education and longitudinal follow-up. Objective: To report the experience of longitudinal follow-up by medical students in an operational group aimed at individuals with diabetes and prediabetes, later expanded to include arterial hypertension, in a Primary Health Care Unit (PHCU). Experience Report: The experience took place during eight meetings in a continuous educational group, coordinated by the nutritionist of the PHCU, with an average of 15 participants per meeting. During the meetings, each patient was invited to report aspects related to sleep quality, diet, water intake, and physical activity. Based on these reports, the nutritionist and the students provided guidance aimed at promoting healthy lifestyle habits. In addition, each meeting included a central theme, a moment of shared snacks with healthy food alternatives, and the monitoring of blood pressure and body weight. The effectiveness of the actions was qualitatively evaluated through the participants’ reports. Final considerations: The experience highlighted the potential of longitudinal operational groups in the management of chronic conditions by articulating health education, systematic follow-up, and qualified listening, using participatory methodologies and adapting according to the patients’ real needs. Thus, the greater engagement of the participants favored changes in lifestyle.