Practice and Knowledge of the Nursing Team in Primary Care Regarding Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Qualitative Study

Introduction: The growing prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the complexity of the care required make the knowledge of Primary Health Care (PHC) nurses crucial to the quality of care provided. Objective: To understand the practice and knowledge of PHC nurses regarding ASD in Pau dos Ferros, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive-exploratory, qualitative study with nine nurses selected according to inclusion criteria (those with a civil service or public contract and more than one year of experience) and exclusion criteria (those on leave or vacation). Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the thematic content analysis technique. Results: Four thematic categories emerged: 1) Professional perception: PHC nurses’ knowledge repertoire regarding ASD; 2) Nurses’ role in providing care to people with ASD; 3) Potentialities and challenges of holistic care in PHC for ASD; 4) Continuing education as a strategy for strengthening care. Conclusion: The study revealed significant gaps in the knowledge and practice of PHC nurses regarding ASD, highlighting the need for continuous and specific training. The lack of training limits adequate care, particularly in the early detection and management of complex cases. The study suggests that future research should delve deeper into these issues, broadening perspectives that ensure improvements in clinical practices and the promotion of health, well-being, and quality of life.