Laser therapy as a care technology in primary health care

To report on the experience of implementing low-power laser therapy in Primary Health Care (PHC) in the municipality of Santos.

Descriptive study with a time frame from 2017 to 2024. The participants were nurses (specialists and general practitioners) and managers. The analysis was based on the theoretical framework of clinical management.

The implementation of laser therapy began with one nurse in a small hospital. The success of the process was driven by the nurse's political articulation, dialog with different levels of care and managers, and the acquisition of laser equipment. A total of 115 nurses were qualified to perform the technique in all SUS units in the municipality, with an emphasis on PHC.

The experience demonstrates the potential of local initiatives to transform clinical management in the SUS. Collaboration between managers, health professionals, and the community is crucial for a more efficient, accessible, and humane health system.