A formação do terapeuta ocupacional e seu papel no Núcleo de Apoio à Saúde da Família NASF do Recife, PE

The objective of this study is to identify the role and training of occupational therapists in the Support Center for Family Health (NASF) in Recife, Pernambuco state. It is an exploratory research of quantitative approach performed with ten occupational therapists in 2011; data was obtained by self-administered questionnaires. According to the interviewees, the role of the occupational therapist is to offer holistic attention focused on functional performance, prevention of incapacities, rehabilitation, and social inclusion. Matrix support is the most common \udtype of support provided by occupational therapists and Family Health teams to the monitored cases. The most commonly used places in these interventions are the homes of patients and the Family Health Center. The small effectiveness of public policies was mentioned as the greatest difficulty. In spite of the general character of the vocational training provided, it was considered insufficient for the NASF by 70% of the interviewees. The need \udfor themes such as primary health care and health programs and policies was highlighted by those who wanted to be trained. We conclude that the role of the occupational therapist in the NASF is based on specific attributions in functional development and prevention of incapacities. The core of the profession, holistic health care, and social inclusion are considered attributions in common with those of primary health care workers. Vocational training as preparation for working in the NASF was considered insufficient by the interviewees, once it is a new area for \udprofessional acting and updating