Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic widespread pain disorder. Its prevalence varies between 0.2 and 6.6% in the world, with a higher prevalence in females. The diagnosis and treatment of FM can be carried out in primary health care (PHC) and although it can be diagnosed and treated in this context, the literature lacks articles that demonstrate that the diagnosis and treatment of FM occurs in the PHC. This is because it is common for PHC professionals to refer the patient to a specialist, making the diagnosis and treatment processes time-consuming and significantly affecting the lives of patients due to the length of this wait.

To collect data on how the diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia is carried out in primary care in the city of São Carlos and what the different professionals do when screening and treating a patient with suspected fibromyalgia.

A cross-sectional study was carried out, and health professionals from Basic Health Units (BHUs) and Family Health Units (FHUs) distributed within the municipality of São Carlos were invited to answer an online form that evaluated which guidelines are followed by them and what is the conduct performed when they assist a patient with suspected FM.

The study included 22 health professionals from the municipality, who have been working in PHC for an average of 9 years. Regarding the diagnosis of FM, 40% of professionals reported considering the presence of tender points to perform it, criteria of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) of 1990, which are no longer considered an effective way to diagnose FM. In addition, only 5 professionals reported using the most current FM diagnostic criteria (2016 ACR revision). Regarding treatment, health professionals bring physical exercises as part of their conduct. However, it is noteworthy that one physiotherapist reported not performing non-pharmacological treatment; in addition, 4 professionals reported prescribing or referring their patients to integrative practices, and, in this sense, it is important to point out that there was no consensus by the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology for the use of these practices. Thus, it is notable that health professionals working in PHC in São Carlos do not know the current guidelines for diagnosing and treating FM, which may lead to excess referrals to secondary care and delays in patient care.

It is necessary to carry out interventions and training with health professionals who work in PHC for a better diagnosis and management of fibromyalgia.

This was the first study to understand how the diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia is carried out in the PHC and the first to raise aspects that may influence the diagnosis and treatment carried out in the BHUs and FHUs.