Active research, contribution from the Primary Health Care for the control of COVID-19

Abstract

The first cases of patients with COVID-19 or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome due to Coronavirus 2, (SARS-CoV-2) were reported in China, spreading rapidly throughout the world, which made it consider as a new pandemic. To describe some peculiarities of active research in Primary Health Care, for the detection of symptomatic cases, contacts and suspects of the disease. Active research makes it possible to use the human resources of each territory: doctors, nurses, technologists, students, health promoters, duly trained on the problem to be investigated. It achieves the necessary coverage, breadth and sustainability to detect the disease early, hence it is a peculiarity of Cuba in the confrontation with COVID-19. This experience of social intervention has been used as a tool for the control of this health problem, along with others, which manage to increase the knowledge of the population, encourage community participation and promote changes in risk behaviors, including increasing of perception and self-responsibility. The active investigation of COVID-19 constitutes a working method in Primary Health Care. This health technology contributes to detecting suspected or suspected cases and their contacts, and diagnosing the disease in early stages. Health education during the pandemic confrontation contributes to the decrease in the number and severity of patients.