EDUCATIONAL PRACTICES TO PROMOTE THE RATIONAL USE OF MEDICINES IN PRIMARY HEALT CARE

Abstract

The rational use of medicines (RUM) is provided for in the National Pharmaceutical Assistance Policy (NPAP) and the National Medicines Policy (NMP), in guaranteeing safe, effective, and quality products. To promote the URM, actions are needed with the population and health professionals in Primary Health Care (PHC) that can have a positive impact on the understanding of these public health policies. This study analyzed health education practices and demands of PHC professionals aimed at promoting RUM. Data collection took place through the application of a self-administered questionnaire to higher education professionals working in PHC in 12 municipalities belonging to the 27th Health Region of 27th Health Region of Rio Grande do Sul (RS). The study included 67 out of a total of 288 health professionals of higher level, from April to July 2022. There was the identification of successful actions aimed at self-medication, custody, correct disposal of medicines, and the insertion of the pharmaceutical care in PHC care and as weaknesses, the non-recognition of the NPAP and NMP was observed by 39% of the respondents, all from other different professions than pharmacy. It was observed that health professionals participating in this study receive demands related to medications in their work routine, which requires recognition of these public health policies. Of the research participants, 57% declared that they had never participated in Permanent Health Education (PHE) actions on the promotion of URM. The research showed there is a need to insert the RUM theme in the PHE agenda of the surveyed places, aiming at building the qualification of health care for the implementation of the NPAP and the NMP and, in a transversal way, the RUM. It is proposed that investigations continue in other locations, considering different social actors to expand analyzes on this topic.