HUMANIZATION IN THE APAE CARE DURING THE PANDEMIC: RESULTS OBTAINED IN PRACTICE

Abstract

This study aimed to reflect on the work of the multidisciplinary team of the Parents and Friends of People with Special Needs Association - APAE in Salto Grande - SP, in the process of qualifying and rehabilitating patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. The areas of Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, and Psychology contributed to this study, given the difficulties of this process. The methodology used was bibliographic research. Outpatient services for rehabilitation provided by the institution before the pandemic were 55 patients per week. During the pandemic, we reached around 20% of the total patients. Currently, because of vaccinations and the consequent reduction in active cases in the city, approximately 60% have returned. The study was carried out considering the importance of each professional in the therapeutic process and, also, being concerned with the humanization in providing care to people with intellectual, multiple, and/or Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD), both teleservice and in person, considering the context of the pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2. Through this study, we sought to explain the work of the multidisciplinary team, which has been challenging at this delicate moment and requires attention from professionals regarding the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other measures when providing services to guarantee the safety and quality of life for all involved. In conclusion, the pandemic enabled the development of various strategies to maintain the care provided to people with disabilities, allowing the rapprochement of patients with their families and the strengthening of bonds between family members and the multidisciplinary team.