Comprehensive Health Care Program for Performing Artists: account of the experience developed in an University service in Minas Gerais

Abstract

This is an experience report whose aim was to present the Comprehensive Health Care Program for Performing Artists of the Specialized Service in Occupational Health at the Hospital das Clínicas of the Federal University of Minas Gerais and report the actions developed by the interdisciplinary team. Actions comprise occupational clinical evaluation, including analysis of the activity with musical instruments; technical visits to workplaces, individual assistance or group activities and, educational and preventive actions, such as the preparation of a leaflet and workshops about musician’s health. From December 2009 to May 2015, 122 musicians were assisted, most of them instrumentalists, male, with a mean age of 32 years. Reevaluations and reports of workers assisted showed that program objectives have been met, especially regarding the self-management of coping strategies of illness risks at work. To give scientific support to the results, a protocol systematizing group activities, which is under evaluation, was prepared. It is hoped that the experience of the SEST regarding musician’s health can assist other professionals and services to organize themselves to cope with this group’s demands.