Discontinuity in the follow-up of patients served in pneumology ambulatory in Belém do Pará

Abstract

Purpose: To identify the socio-demographic profile of patients who discontinued ambulatory follow-up of pneumopathies and to analyze variants that may influence discontinuation of follow-up. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study based on data collected through a questionnaire containing socio-demographic variables, probable diagnoses, requested tests, therapeutic intervention, referral to other specialties and comorbidities. Results: The prevalence of discontinuation in ambulatory follow-up of pneumology occurred in women, aged over 50 years old, from Belém, coming from the Metropolitan Region. Asthma was the most frequent pulmonary disease among patients who abandoned ambulatory follow-up. There was a significant prevalence of patients who reported presence of other comorbidities, with Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus being the most frequent among the comorbidities reported by the patients. Conclusion: Adherence to treatment may be influenced by factors such as geographical, financial, organizational and information. Health professionals need to be aware of these factors so that they can plan and implement appropriate strategies for their patients