HEMOPHILIA SUPPORT GROUP: WHAT HAS CHANGED AFTER THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC?
Keywords:
Community-Institutional Relations, Health Education, Hemophilia A, Hemophilia B, COVID-19Abstract
Hemophilia is a genetic disease, linked to the X chromosome, characterized by a deficiency of coagulation factors (VIII or IX) and a consequent disturbance of this important physiological process, leading to hemorrhagic events of variable severity. Health care for people living with hemophilia involves several political and social aspects, including breaking paradigms and forming support networks. In this aspect, university extension projects emerge as a tool that unites the development of health education strategies and improvements in care through the sharing of knowledge among students, professionals, patients and the community in general. This paper aims to describe the activities of the extension project Grupo de Apoio aos Portadores de Hemofilia, some of the methodologies used, as well as the challenges faced and the adaptations made with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. The project's actions allowed the strengthening of bonds between hemophilia patients and the academic community, contributing to the construction of knowledge about the disease and improvement of medical training, as well as to the promotion of health, physical and mental well-being of the participants.