Family guidance and organ donation: strategies to save lives

Abstract

This study consists of an integrative exploratory literature review that demonstrates how support groups in Primary Health Care Units (UBS) create a welcoming space where individuals can share experiences and learn together. In these gatherings, trust, mutual support, and motivation for self-care emerge, strengthening the bond with the healthcare team and making treatment lighter and more continuous. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of support and treatment groups for patients who use Primary Health Care (PHC) through Basic Health Units (UBS) and within the community. Methodology: The methodology followed six main stages and used the PICO strategy (Patient: individuals assisted in UBS and in the community; Intervention: participation in support groups; Outcome: improvement in clinical, emotional, social status, or treatment adherence) to define the guiding question. The electronic search was conducted in the Google Scholar, BVS, SciELO, PubMed, and EbscoHost databases, resulting in the selection of 22 articles for the final analysis. Results: The study indicates that support groups are a powerful and multifaceted strategy in PHC and in communities, playing an essential role in improving therapeutic adherence, promoting self-care, and optimizing the control of chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. Conclusion: The groups promote well-being and functionality, especially among older adults, in addition to strengthening matrix support in mental health and expanding access to collective practices. These spaces foster emotional support, bonding, and a sense of belonging, including in online groups, and their engagement acts as a bridge between health services and community networks, strengthening integration and therapeutic continuity. Despite structural challenges and inequalities that compromise continuity of care, the positive impact of these groups reinforces their relevance