Objective:
To analyze the experiences of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patients from the perspective of integrality of care.
Methods:
Analytical and qualitative study conducted with patients under treatment. Semi-structured interviews were transcribed and then interpreted using the French Discourse Analysis framework.
Results:
Professionals were sometimes sensitive to patient needs expressed in a search for integrality, though integrality was neglected at other times. Some weakness were observed in the care network organization, such as: a lack of bonds and disregard toward the patients; lack of coordination and cooperation between healthcare levels; patients becoming the only ones responsible for their treatment; and different contexts of primary healthcare that interfered in the follow-up of patients.
Conclusion:
There is a need to rethink care provided to multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patients so as to provide integral care, taking into account individual peculiarities related to both the patients' life contexts and the process of becoming ill, and also in regard to the organization and coordination of care.
Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant; Sick Role; Comprehensive Health Care; Systems Integration