Care protocol for reception in an emergency care unit in the context of COVID-19 (2020-2021)

Abstract

Qualitative action-research research aimed to describe the process of reorganizing the care flow of a UPA to face the COVID-19 pandemic, based on the implementation of care protocols. The collective problem was the organization of the care flow for people with the flu syndrome (FS). The study considered the action-research cycles proposed by Tripp (2005). In the planning phase, the flow of care for patients with FS was developed through the analysis of regulations, physical structure, and available resources. During implementation, intersectoral partnerships were established for physical adaptation, training of professionals, and resizing of the team. The planning and implementation process was described based on reports and data were collected from the unit's management equipment and the Municipal Health Department. The evaluation was carried out continuously, based on feedback from the literature and reflected practice. The reorganization of the unit with the implementation of protocols and division of flows showed positive points, such as participation and involvement of the team, review of processes, search for evidence, and intersectoral partnerships; and negative, such as the difficulty in separating FS patients within the physical structure of the UPA.