Atuação do conselho nacional de saúde frente à pandemia de covid-19: uma análise documental / Performance of the National Health Council in the face of the covid-19 pandemic: a documentary analysis / Desempeño del Consejo Nacional de Salud ante la pandemia de covid-19: un análisis documental

Introdução:A legislação do Sistema Único de Saúde confere aos Conselhos de Saúde, enquanto órgãos colegiados deliberativos, a competência para fiscalizar as ações de saúde e deliberar sobre as temáticas de interesse da gestão em saúde e do controle social.Objetivo:Analisar a atuação do Conselho Nacional de Saúde no enfrentamento à pandemia de COVID-19.Metodologia:Trata-se de uma análise documental, de natureza descritiva e com abordagem qualitativa, realizada entre outubro e novembro de 2021. Os atos normativos foram recuperados do sitedo Conselho Nacional de Saúde e analisados à luz do referencial teórico-metodológico da Análise de Conteúdo.Resultados:Entre 86 atos normativos expedidos pelo Conselho Nacional de Saúde, 20 foram incluídos no estudo por apresentarem relação direta com as medidas de enfrentamento à emergência de saúde pública de importância internacional provocada pelo vírus SARS-COV-2. A partir do teor e das aproximações temáticas dos documentos selecionados, eles foram organizados em três categorias: Atenção à Saúde; Gestão Orçamentária e Financeira; e Saúde e Segurança nos Serviços de Saúde.Conclusões:Apesar da não observância da edição de resoluções, instrumento com maior poder de vinculação ao ato do gestor da saúde, restringindo-se a emissão de recomendações, o Conselho Nacional de Saúde desenvolveu seu papel institucional e político, necessário na atual conjuntura, principalmente num cenário que ao longo dos últimos anos vem mitigando a legitimidade dos espaços de controle e participação social no Brasil (AU).

Introduction:The legislation of the Unified Health System grants the Health Councils, as deliberative collegiate bodies, the competence to supervise health actions and deliberate on topics of interest to health management and social control.Objective:To analyze the performance of the National Health Council in coping with the COVID-19 pandemic.Methodology:This is a documentary analysis, with a descriptive nature and a qualitative approach, carried out between October and November 2021. The normative acts were retrieved from the website of the National Health Council and analyzed in the light of the theoretical-methodological framework of Content Analysis.Results:Among 86 normative acts issued by the National Health Council, 20 were included in the study because they were directly related to measures to cope with the public health emergency of international importance caused by the SARS-COV-2 virus. Based on the content and thematic approaches of the selected documents, they were organized into three categories: Health Care; Budget and Financial Management; and Health and Safety in Health Services.Conclusions:Despite the non-compliance with the issue of resolutions, an instrument with greater power of linking to the act of the health manager, restricting the issuing of recommendations, the National Health Council has developed its institutional andpolitical role, necessary in the current situation, mainly in a scenario that over the last few years has been mitigating the legitimacy of spaces for social control and participation in Brazil (AU).

Introducción: La legislación del Sistema Único de Salud otorga a los Consejos de Salud, como órganos colegiados deliberativos, la competencia para inspeccionar las acciones de salud y deliberar sobre los temas de interés de la gestión en salud y el control social. Objetivo: Analizar el desempeño del Consejo Nacional de Salud en el enfrentamiento de la pandemia de COVID-19. Metodología: Se trata de un análisis documental, de carácter descriptivo y con enfoque cualitativo, efectuado entre octubre y noviembre de 2021. Los actos normativos fueron recuperados del sitio web del Consejo Nacional de Salud y analizados a la luz del marco teórico-metodológico del Análisis de Contenido. Resultados: De los 86 actos normativos emitidos por elConsejo Nacional de Salud, 20 fueron incluidos en el estudio porque estaban directamente relacionados con las medidas para enfrentar la emergencia de salud pública de relevancia internacional provocada por el virus SARS-COV-2. Con base en el contenido y las aproximaciones temáticas de los documentos seleccionados, estos fueron organizados en tres categorías: Atención a la Salud; Gestión Presupuestaria y Financiera; y Salud y Seguridad en los Servicios de Salud.Conclusiones: A pesar del incumplimiento en relación con la edición de las resoluciones, un instrumento con mayor poder para vincular el acto del gestor de la salud, limitándose a emitir recomendaciones, el Consejo Nacional de Salud ha desarrollado su rol institucional y político, necesario en la situación actual, especialmente en un escenario que en los últimos años ha mitigado la legitimidad de los espacios de control y participación social en Brasil (AU).

Clinical pharmaceutical services of primary health care of the Federal District: A discussion based on the SWOT matrix

Abstract In the epistemic field, several studies demonstrate the importance of pharmaceutical services in health care networks. Nonetheless, literature still addresses the strengths and barriers present in the provision of these services in an incipient way. Thus, this study aimed to understand these contexts in the development of clinical services for primary health care in the Federal District, Brazil. A qualitative study adopted the technique of open-script interview, structured based on the logic of the SWOT matrix. Pharmacists reported weaknesses such as precariousness and scarcity of physical infrastructure, material, and human resources. As threats, they discussed the lack of social recognition, discontinuities of government actions, and lack of preparation of the pharmacist for the provision of clinical services. Regarding themes pertaining to the service's strengths and opportunities, the advances in propositions and executions of public policies, actions, and governmental programs that have expanded the pharmaceutical workforce in primary care and that are impelling the accomplishment of clinical services were listed. This study contributes to understanding the scenario of the development of clinical pharmaceutical services, and consequently provides subsidies for the actions of planning, evaluation and qualification of health services.

Perceptions of pharmaceutical services among elderly people on polymedication.

OBJECTIVES: Describe the importance of guidelines provided during pharmaceutical consultation about compliance with medication therapy based on interviews with polymedicated elderly patients. METHODS: A qualitative methodological study carried out during consultations with 40 elderly patients of both genders at the Health Care Center for Elderly Patients and Caregivers. The study used the technique of content analysis, applying a questionnaire with two open questions. RESULTS: Two categories and eight subcategories emerged after the transcription of interviews and exhaustive reading of the data. The category "Pharmaceutical consultation as an education instrument for the self-care of polymedicated elderly patients" presented the highest frequency. The subcategory with the highest frequency was "Concern of elderly patients about self-care". FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: In the case of polymedicated elderly patients, pharmaceutical consultation is an important education instrument which, through the provision of pharmaceutical guidelines, allows the minimization of concerns about pharmacotherapy, contributing to compliance and self-care.

Evaluación de las condiciones estructurales para implementar el seguimiento farmacoterapéutico en farmacias comunitarias cubanas, 2016 / Evaluation of the structural conditions to implement the pharmacotherapy follow-up of the Cuban community pharmacies, 2016

Introducción: El seguimiento farmacoterapéutico es una de las actividades orientadas al paciente que debe desarrollar la farmacia comunitaria para disminuir la morbilidad y la mortalidad asociada al uso de medicamentos. Su implementación representa una oportunidad de optimizar la farmacoterapia y de mejorar la calidad de vida de los pacientes que reciban el servicio. Objetivo: Evaluar las condiciones básicas estructurales para la implementación del servicio de seguimiento farmacoterapéutico en las farmacias comunitarias de los municipios Diez de Octubre y Cerro de la provincia de La Habana. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal realizado en el periodo de febrero-abril de 2016. Se evaluaron 44 farmacias comunitarias del municipio Diez de Octubre y 22 del municipio Cerro. Se empleó una guía de evaluación validada por expertos según Moriyama, que exploró cinco dimensiones y diez aspectos. Resultados: El municipio Cerro fue el menos favorable con menos dimensiones cumplidas. Para los dos municipios la dimensión de menor afectación fue la de recursos materiales y la de mayor la de servicios. Otras dimensiones afectadas fueron las de equipamiento, infraestructura y la de recursos humanos. La farmacia 710 de Diez de Octubre cumplió con la mayoría de las dimensiones evaluadas, excepto el acceso al Portal de la red Infomed. Conclusiones: Las farmacias comunitarias de los municipios Diez de Octubre y Cerro no tienen las condiciones básicas estructurales para implementar el servicio de seguimiento farmacoterapéutico(AU)

Introduction: Pharmacotherapy follow-up is one of the activities aimed to patients that must develop the community pharmacies to reduce morbidity and mortality associated to medications use. Its implementation represents an opportunity to optimize pharmacotherapy and to improve the quality of life for patients receiving the service. Objective: To evaluate the basic structural conditions for the implementation of the service of pharmacotherapy follow-up at the community pharmacies of 10 de Octubre and Cerro municipalities in Havana province. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in the period from February to April 2016. 44 community pharmacies were assessed in 10 de Octubre municipality and 22 in Cerro municipality. It was used a guide for the assessment validated by experts according to Moriyama, that explored five dimensions and ten aspects. Results: Cerro municipality was the least favourable with fewer dimensions accomplished. For both municipalities, the dimension with less affectation was the material resources and the one with greater affectation was services. Other affected dimensions were the equipment, infrastructure and human resources. The pharmacy #710 in 10 de Octubre municipality complied with most of the dimensions assessed, except for the access to INFOMED network´s web page. Conclusions: Community pharmacies of 10 de Octubre and Cerro municipalities do not have basic structural conditions to implement the service of pharmacotherapy follow-up(AU)

INSAF-HAS: a tool to select patients with hypertension for pharmaceutical care.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate the content of a tool aimed to select patients with hypertension for pharmaceutical care, based on identification of individuals in greater need of attention. METHODS: The tool was developed and assessed for face and content validity, which was carried out in three stages. Phase I consisted of comprehensive literature review, which prompted the development of the first version of the tool. Phase II consisted of validation by an expert panel. Phase III consisted of a pilot study with hypertensive patients and preparation of the final version of the instrument. RESULTS: Literature review yielded 30 studies, out of which 13 factors associated with hypertension and cardiovascular disease control and complications were selected. Once the initial version of the tool named INSAF-HAS was obtained, four expert meetings were held, each leading to instrument improvement until a final consensus was reached. In the pilot study, INSAF-HAS was applied to 30 patients with a diagnosis of hypertension for applicability pretest; adjustments were made and the final version of INSAF-HAS obtained. CONCLUSION: The INSAF-HAS tool developed in this study has face and content validity, and may contribute to the selection of patients with hypertension in greater need of pharmaceutical care services.

[Pharmaceutical care for older adults. Application of STOPP-START criteria]. / Atención farmacéutica de adultos mayores. Aplicación de los criterios STOPP-START.

INTRODUCTION: Drug-related problems can be caused by potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP), one of the most used tools for its identification are the STOPP (Older Persons' potentially inappropriate Prescriptions) - START (Screening Tool to Alert doctors to Right Treatment) criteria. The objective of this study is to determine PIP in older adults who receive pharmaceutical care in the Pharmacotherapy Optimization Unit (POU)-Rosario. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pharmacoepidemiological observational study, which evaluates the quality of medication use. Workplace: POU-Rosario. Population under study: adults over 60 years of age, who received pharmacotherapy follow-up during the period March 2017 to February 2018. PIPs were identified using the STOPP-START criteria, 2014 version; selecting the most appropriate criteria to assess outpatient pharmacotherapy. Prevalence of PIP and amount of PIP per active principle were estimated. RESULTS: 50 patients older than 60 years received pharmacotherapy follow-up in the POU; 47 patients (94.0%) had at least one PIP corresponding to a STOPP criterion; 17 STOPP criteria were found among the 41 initially selected, leading to 145 PIPs identified. And 7 START criteria among the 11 initially selected, leading to 50 PIPs identified. Medications with a higher amount of PIPs: benzodiazepines and proton pump inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS: This study allowed the identification of a high prevalence of PIP. The data obtained show the usefulness of these criteria. The STOPP-START criteria have been included to support decision making during pharmacotherapy follow-up to propose pharmaceutical interventions, in order to enhance pharmacotherapy. These activities contribute to patient safety, a dimension of health quality.

INSAF-HAS: a tool to select patients with hypertension for pharmaceutical care / INSAF-HAS: ferramenta para seleção de pacientes com hipertensão arterial sistêmica e inserção em serviços de cuidado farmacêutico

ABSTRACT Objective To develop and validate the content of a tool aimed to select patients with hypertension for pharmaceutical care, based on identification of individuals in greater need of attention. Methods The tool was developed and assessed for face and content validity, which was carried out in three stages. Phase I consisted of comprehensive literature review, which prompted the development of the first version of the tool. Phase II consisted of validation by an expert panel. Phase III consisted of a pilot study with hypertensive patients and preparation of the final version of the instrument. Results Literature review yielded 30 studies, out of which 13 factors associated with hypertension and cardiovascular disease control and complications were selected. Once the initial version of the tool named INSAF-HAS was obtained, four expert meetings were held, each leading to instrument improvement until a final consensus was reached. In the pilot study, INSAF-HAS was applied to 30 patients with a diagnosis of hypertension for applicability pretest; adjustments were made and the final version of INSAF-HAS obtained. Conclusion The INSAF-HAS tool developed in this study has face and content validity, and may contribute to the selection of patients with hypertension in greater need of pharmaceutical care services.

RESUMO Objetivo Desenvolver e realizar a validação de conteúdo de uma ferramenta para seleção de pacientes com hipertensão arterial sistêmica a serem atendidos em serviços de cuidado farmacêutico, com base na identificação daqueles com maior necessidade dessa assistência. Métodos O instrumento foi desenvolvido e avaliado por validação de face e conteúdo, subdividida em três fases. A fase I abordou ampla revisão bibliográfica, que originou a versão inicial da ferramenta. Na fase II, realizou-se a validação com a análise de um painel de experts . A fase III foi composta por estudo piloto realizado com pacientes com hipertensão, tendo sido definida a versão final do instrumento. Resultados A partir da revisão bibliográfica, 30 estudos foram consultados, e foram selecionados 13 fatores associados ao controle e à ocorrência de complicações, relacionados à hipertensão arterial sistêmica e a doenças cardiovasculares. Por conseguinte, mediante a versão inicial da ferramenta intitulada INSAF-HAS, realizaram-se quatro reuniões com especialistas, para obtenção de consenso final. A cada encontro, o instrumento foi aprimorado. No estudo piloto, 30 pacientes com diagnóstico de hipertensão arterial sistêmica foram abordados para o pré-teste de avaliação da aplicabilidade e, após as adequações, obteve-se a versão final do INSAF-HAS. Conclusão A ferramenta elaborada INSAF-HAS apresenta validade de face e conteúdo. Ela deve contribuir para a seleção de pacientes portadores de hipertensão arterial sistêmica e com maior necessidade de participação em serviços de cuidado farmacêutico.

Perceptions of pharmaceutical services among elderly people on polymedication / Impressão de idosos polimedicados sobre o serviço farmacêutico / Impresión de los ancianos polimedicados respecto del servicio farmacéutico

ABSTRACT Objectives: Describe the importance of guidelines provided during pharmaceutical consultation about compliance with medication therapy based on interviews with polymedicated elderly patients. Methods: A qualitative methodological study carried out during consultations with 40 elderly patients of both genders at the Health Care Center for Elderly Patients and Caregivers. The study used the technique of content analysis, applying a questionnaire with two open questions. Results: Two categories and eight subcategories emerged after the transcription of interviews and exhaustive reading of the data. The category "Pharmaceutical consultation as an education instrument for the self-care of polymedicated elderly patients" presented the highest frequency. The subcategory with the highest frequency was "Concern of elderly patients about self-care". Final Considerations: In the case of polymedicated elderly patients, pharmaceutical consultation is an important education instrument which, through the provision of pharmaceutical guidelines, allows the minimization of concerns about pharmacotherapy, contributing to compliance and self-care.

RESUMO Objetivos: Descrever a importância das orientações fornecidas durante a consulta farmacêutica sobre a adesão ao tratamento farmacológico com base nos depoimentos de idosos polimedicados. Métodos: Estudo metodológico, qualitativo, realizado durante consultas com 40 pacientes idosos de ambos os sexos no Centro de Atenção à Saúde para Idosos e Cuidadores. A técnica da análise de conteúdo foi utilizada, e um questionário com duas perguntas aber tas foi aplicado. Resultados: Duas categorias e oito subcategorias emergiram da transcrição das entrevistas e leitura exaustiva dos dados. A categoria "Consulta farmacêutica como um instrumento educativo para o autocuidado de idosos polimedicados" apresentou a maior frequência. A subcategoria mais frequente foi "Preocupação dos idosos com o autocuidado" Considerações finais: No caso de pacientes idosos polimedicados, a consulta farmacêutica constitui um instrumento educativo importante que, através do fornecimento de orientações farmacêuticas, permite minimizar as preocupações com relação a farmacoterapia, contribuindo com a adesão e autocuidado.

RESUMEN Objetivos: Describir la importancia de las indicaciones brindadas durante la consulta farmacéutica sobre la adhesión al tratamiento farmacológico según discursos de ancianos polimedicados. Métodos: estudio metodológico, cualitativo, realizado durante consultas con 40 pacientes ancianos de ambos sexos en el Centro de Atención de Salud de Ancianos y Cuidadores. Se utilizó análisis de contenido, con un cuestionario de dos preguntas abiertas. Resultados: Surgieron dos categorías y ocho subcategorías tras la transcripción de discursos y la lectura exhaustiva de datos. La categoría "Consulta farmacéutica como instrumento educativo para el autocuidado de ancianos polimedicados" expresó la mayor frecuencia. La subcategoría más frecuente fue "Preocupación de los ancianos por el autocuidado". Consideraciones finales: En el caso de pacientes mayores polimedicados, la consulta farmacéutica constituye un importante instrumento educativo que, a través de la provisión de indicaciones farmacéuticas, permite minimizar las preocupaciones respecto de la farmacoterapia, contribuyendo así al cumplimiento y al autocuidado.

Guia de consulta rápida: Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS): Estado de Goiás / Quick consultation guide: Unified Health System (SUS): State of Goiás

A criação deste material foi pautada na Lei de introdução às normas do Direito Brasileiro, que expressa, em seus artigos 20 a 22, que a decisão judicial sobre fornecimento de medicamentos e serviços de saúde deverá trazer fundamentação sobre as suas consequências práticas, considerando os obstáculos e as dificuldades reais do gestor e as exigências das políticas públicas, não podendo fundar-se apenas em valores jurídicos abstratos. E tem como objetivo apresentar os procedimentos administrativos de acesso à assistência no SUS, bem como apontar o ente federativo responsável

The creation of this material was based on the Law of introduction to the norms of Brazilian Law, which expresses, in articles 20 to 22, that the judicial decision on the supply of medicines and health services should bring reasons on its practical consequences, considering the obstacles and real difficulties of the manager and the requirements of public policies, and cannot be based only on abstract legal values. And it aims to present the administrative procedures of access to assistance in the SUS, as well as to point out the federative entity responsible.

Identifying quality of life indicators to improve outpatient pharmacy services for prostate cancer patients: a comparison between brazilian and british experiences

ABSTRACT Objectives: Prostate cancer is the most common and fatal cancer amongst Brazilian males. The quality of prostate cancer care in Brazil was systematically reviewed and compared to United Kingdom (UK) National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines, which are considered an international benchmark in care, to deter- mine any treatment gaps in Brazilian practice. Materials and Methods: A systematic review of Brazilian and UK literature was under- taken. Additionally, quality of life scores was measured using a FACT-P questionnaire of 36 prostate cancer patients attending the Farmácia Universitária da Universidade de São Paulo (FARMUSP). These scores were compared against NICE care measures for patient safety, clinical efficacy and quality of life indicators determined by either quantitative or qualitative methods. Key findings: The quality of prostate cancer care in Brazil was considered good when compared to NICE guidelines. However, FACT-P data strongly indicated a poor under- standing of treatment received by Brazilian patients and that their mental health needs were not being met. Conclusions: NICE quality statements that address the holistic needs of patients should be implemented into Brazilian outpatient care plans. Addressing the non-medical concerns of patients may improve quality of life and can be easily rolled-out through existing Brazilian pharmacy services at no financial cost to the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS).

Identifying quality of life indicators to improve outpatient pharmacy services for prostate cancer patients: a comparison between Brazilian and British experiences.

OBJECTIVES: Prostate cancer is the most common and fatal cancer amongst Brazilian males. The quality of prostate cancer care in Brazil was systematically reviewed and compared to United Kingdom (UK) National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines, which are considered an international benchmark in care, to determine any treatment gaps in Brazilian practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review of Brazilian and UK literature was undertaken. Additionally, quality of life scores was measured using a FACT-P questionnaire of 36 prostate cancer patients attending the Farmácia Universitária da Universidade de São Paulo (FARMUSP). These scores were compared against NICE care measures for patient safety, clinical effi cacy and quality of life indicators determined by either quantitative or qualitative methods. Key fi ndings: The quality of prostate cancer care in Brazil was considered good when compared to NICE guidelines. However, FACT-P data strongly indicated a poor understanding of treatment received by Brazilian patients and that their mental health needs were not being met. CONCLUSIONS: NICE quality statements that address the holistic needs of patients should be implemented into Brazilian outpatient care plans. Addressing the non-medical concerns of patients may improve quality of life and can be easily rolled-out through existing Brazilian pharmacy services at no fi nancial cost to the Brazilian Unifi ed Health System (SUS).

Active methodology and blended learning: An experience in pharmaceutical care.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze the implementation of an active methodology in a blended model of education in the teaching-learning processes of students enrolled in two disciplines: Pharmaceutical Care I and Pharmaceutical Care II, both part of the undergraduate Bachelor of Pharmacy program at the Federal University of Paraná. EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY AND SETTING: The study design was quasi-experimental, prospective, comparative, following a pre/posttest format, where Pharmaceutical Care classes were the intervention. Identical pre- and post-intervention tests were designed based on Anderson and Krathwohl's (2001) revision of Bloom's taxonomy, and according to the three levels of the cognitive domain: remember and understand; apply and analyze; evaluate and create. FINDINGS: Participants were 133 students enrolled in the two Pharmaceutical Care classes. A significant difference between pre- and posttest results was observed, showing an increase in students' performance in the applied tests at all cognitive levels. This is the first study of its kind involving Pharmaceutical Care and Blended Learning. DISCUSSION AND SUMMARY: By comparing the results of the diagnostic and summative assessments based on Bloom's taxonomy at all levels of the cognitive domain, positive results were observed regarding the students' performance in the two disciplines (Pharmaceutical Care I and II).

Technical issues and conservation conditions of medicines in the primary health care of the Brazilian Unified Health System.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the technical issues and conditions of medicines conservation in Primary Health Care of Brazilian regions, responsible for pharmacy/dispensing unit profile; environmental, storage, and dose fractioning conditions; inventory control and waste management; fire and electrical failure safety items; transportation problems; advertising regulation; and pharmacovigilance. METHODS: This article is part of the Pesquisa Nacional sobre Acesso, Utilização e Promoção do Uso Racional de Medicamentos - Serviços (National Survey on Access, Use and Promotion of Rational Use of Medicines - Services)-, a cross-sectional and exploratory study, of evaluative nature, consisting of an information survey within a representative sample of municipalities, stratified by Brazilian regions, which constitute the study domains, and a sample of Primary Health Care services. Pharmaceutical services (PS) were directly observed with photographic record and face-to-face interviews with those responsible for the dispensing of medicines and over the telephone with those responsible for pharmaceutical services. Data were processed with the SPSS® software version 21. RESULTS: The investigated dimensions showed relevant deficiencies and inequalities between the regions, generally more favorable in the Southeast and Midwest regions and weaker in the Northeast and North regions. We verified non-compliance with technical requirements and conditions essential to the conservation of medicines, which may interfere with the maintenance of stability and, thus, on their quality, efficacy, and safety. The regulation of advertising/promotion of medicines is still incipient and there is some progress in the structuring of mechanisms regarding pharmacovigilance. CONCLUSIONS: The sanitary situation of medicines in Brazilian Primary Health Care is alarming due to the violation of the specific sanitary legislation for dispensing establishments and due to a wide range of requirements essential to the conservation of medicines. We observed a disconnection between the efforts made in the Brazilian Unified Health System to promote access to medicines for all population and the organization and qualification of pharmaceutical services.

Infrastructure of pharmacies of the primary health care in the Brazilian Unified Health System: Analysis of PNAUM - Services data.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the infrastructure of the primary health care pharmacies of the Brazilian Unified Health System, aiming at humanizing the offered services. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study, of quantitative approach, from data obtained in the Pesquisa Nacional de Acesso, Utilização e Promoção do Uso Racional de Medicamentos - Serviços, 2015 (PNAUM - National Survey on Access, Use and Promotion of Rational Use of Medicines - Services, 2015). Information on 1,175 pharmacies/dispensing units were gathered from direct observation and assessment of dispensing units installations conducted by trained researchers who used a standardized form. The analyzed variables refer to the physical structure of pharmacies or medicine dispensing units of the health units under research. RESULTS: The pharmacy area was greater than 14 m2 in 40.3% of the sampled units, highlighting those from Midwest (56.9%) and Southeast (56.2%) regions and those of Northeast, with only 23.3%. About 80.2% units had waiting rooms with chairs for patients, 31.8% of them had dispensing areas inferior to 5m2, while in 46.2% these areas were superior to 10m2. Bars were found in service counters in 23.8% of health units, thus separating the patient from the professional; 44.1% had internet access. In most units, the area of medicine storage had no refrigerator or freezer for their exclusive storage and 13.7% had a specific room for pharmaceutical consultation. CONCLUSION: Aiming at achieving care humanization and improving working conditions for professionals, the structuring of the environment of pharmacy services is necessary. This would contribute to the better qualification of pharmacy services, comprising more than medicine delivery. Data on the Northeast region indicated less favorable conditions to the development of adequate dispensing services. Based on the panorama pointed out, we suggest the expansion of stimulus concerning the physical structure of pharmaceutical services, considering regional specificities.

Assessment of Pharmaceutical Services in a Southern Brazilian City. / Avaliação da Assistência Farmacêutica em um município no Sul do Brasil.

INTRODUCTION:: Well-planned and executed pharmaceutical services (PS) are important for proper treatment of the population's health needs, thus enabling the access to essential drugs and promoting their rational use. OBJECTIVE:: To assess the situation of PS in the city of Uruguaiana (State of Rio Grande do Sul), Brazil. METHODS:: This cross-sectional study was applied to 650 interviews between June and September of 2013 in 11 Basic Health Units (UBS) and in the Main Pharmacy of the city. The indicators of prescription, of patient's care, and of service, were assessed according to the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO).The Instrument of Self-Assessment for Pharmaceutical Services Planning (IAPAF) from the Brazilian Department of Health was used to assess the management and planning capacity of the PS, which was then applied in the Main Pharmacy and in the medicine stockroom. RESULTS:: The number of drugs per prescription varied from 1 to 10 (mean = 1.7). The percentages of prescribed drugs by generic name, and included in the City List of Essential Drugs (REMUME) were, respectively, 75.5 and 67.7%; antibiotics were prescribed in 9.7% of the medical appointments. The average time of medical appointment was 6 minutes; 51.4% of the users obtained their prescription; only 18.9% of the patients completely understood their prescriptions. Of the 24 items analyzed in the IAPAF, 12 were found in stage 1 (worst rating), 12 in stage 2, and none in stage 3 (ideal situation). CONCLUSION:: Results seem to show the lack of PS in Uruguaiana with regard to planning, management, and patient's care. The absence of effective management may result in waste and incorrect use of drugs.

Infrastructure evaluation of Pharmaceutical Services in the National Health System of Minas Gerais. / Avaliação da infraestrutura da Assistência Farmacêutica no Sistema Único de Saúde em Minas Gerais.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize the infrastructure of public pharmacies in Minas Gerais, comparing municipalities that have received the RFM program to the ones that haven't, in order to verify if the State's Economic Incentives implied in improvement of local Pharmaceutical Services (PS). METHODS: A cross-sectional, exploratory, evaluative study in a representative sample of the municipalities of Minas Gerais. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with users, physicians, and drug dispensers, as well as observation of pharmacy facilities and telephone interviews with municipal officials from the PS. 104 municipalities were selected, of which 41.3% had adopted the RFM. Data were collected from July 2014 to May 2015. RESULTS: Municipalities adept to the RFM presented significantly higher rates of legal documentation, more comfort for users and staff, better storage conditions of medicine and competence to conduct clinical activities. CONCLUSION: The higher state investment in the PS organization for municipalities adept to the RFM developed better infrastructure that have been approved by health professionals and the users of the National Health System.

Avaliação da infraestrutura da Assistência Farmacêutica no Sistema Único de Saúde em Minas Gerais / Infrastructure evaluation of Pharmaceutical Services in the National Health System of Minas Gerais

Resumo Em 2008, o estado de Minas Gerais criou o Programa Rede Farmácia de Minas (RFM), uma estratégia para garantir infraestrutura adequada das farmácias. O objetivo deste artigo é caracterizar a infraestrutura da Assistência Farmacêutica (AF) de Minas Gerais, comparando municípios contemplados ou não pela RFM, no intuito de verificar se os gastos estaduais implicaram em melhoria das AF municipais. Estudo transversal de avaliação da AF de Minas Gerais. Foram realizadas entrevistas presenciais e telefônicas com usuários, médicos, responsáveis pela AF e dispensadores de medicamentos, além de observação das instalações. Foram selecionados 104 municípios, dos quais 41,3% haviam adotado a RFM. Os dados foram coletados de julho de 2014 a maio de 2015. Municípios com RFM apresentaram taxas significativamente maiores de regularização da documentação legal, maior conforto para os usuários e funcionários, melhores condições de armazenamento de medicamento e realização de atividades clínicas. O maior volume de investimentos estadual na AF dos municípios com RFM gerou melhores condições de infraestrutura que foram avaliadas positivamente tanto por profissionais de saúde como pelos usuários do SUS.

Abstract In 2008 the state of Minas Gerais created the "Program Rede Farmácia de Minas" (RFM), a strategy to ensure adequate infrastructure of local public pharmacies, in order to improve the quality of medications use. Objectives To characterize the infrastructure of public pharmacies in Minas Gerais, comparing municipalities that have received the RFM program to the ones that haven't, in order to verify if the State's Economic Incentives implied in improvement of local Pharmaceutical Services (PS). Methods A cross-sectional, exploratory, evaluative study in a representative sample of the municipalities of Minas Gerais. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with users, physicians, and drug dispensers, as well as observation of pharmacy facilities and telephone interviews with municipal officials from the PS. 104 municipalities were selected, of which 41.3% had adopted the RFM. Data were collected from July 2014 to May 2015. Results Municipalities adept to the RFM presented significantly higher rates of legal documentation, more comfort for users and staff, better storage conditions of medicine and competence to conduct clinical activities. Conclusion The higher state investment in the PS organization for municipalities adept to the RFM developed better infrastructure that have been approved by health professionals and the users of the National Health System.

Comments on "The organization of pharmaceutical services by 'health region' in Brazil's Unified Health System". / Organização dos serviços farmacêuticos no Sistema Único de Saúde em regiões de saúde.

This study aimed to describe and characterize the pharmaceutical services provided in Brazil's Unified Health System (SUS) from the point of view of the healthcare networks that are organized by region in the QualiSUS-Rede Project. This was a cross-sectional study, with data collected from December 2013 to July 2015, in public health establishments that carried out delivery or warehousing of medications (n = 4,938), in 465 municipalites, and the Federal District, in 43'Health Regions'. The results show the existence of at least one management service supporting the health network, and warehousing of medications in all the regions (> 90%). It also showed the availability of at least one healthcare service, in healthcare locations, by pharmaceutical professionals is irregular between the Regions, being highest in the Southeastern Region (74.3%), and lowest in the Northeastern Region (43.3%). The results underpine the need for effective structuring of pharmaceutical assistance in the SUS networks, overcoming the current restrictive vision of its activities, which gives value almost exclusively to the logistical component of support to the network, to the detriment of the clinical component. It is also important to expand, and improve the quality of, the population's access to medical drugs, and improve the quality of the healthcare offered to users of the system.

Organização dos serviços farmacêuticos no Sistema Único de Saúde em regiões de saúde / Comments on "The organization of pharmaceutical services by 'health region' in Brazil's Unified Health System"

Resumo O presente estudo teve o objetivo de caracterizar os serviços farmacêuticos prestados no Sistema Único de Saúde do Brasil sob a ótica das redes de atenção à saúde em regiões de saúde contempladas no Projeto QualiSUS-Rede. O estudo teve delineamento transversal, com coleta de dados de dezembro de 2013 a julho de 2015 em todos os estabelecimentos públicos de saúde que realizavam entrega/armazenamento de medicamentos (n = 4.938) de 465 municípios e Distrito Federal em 43 regiões de saúde. Os resultados mostram a existência de pelo menos um serviço gerencial de apoio à rede de saúde além do armazenamento de medicamentos em todas as regiões (> 90%). E de forma irregular entre as Regiões, há a oferta de pelo menos um serviço assistencial nos pontos de atenção pelos profissionais farmacêuticos, ocorrendo em maior proporção na Região Sudeste (74,3%) e menor na Nordeste (43,3%). Os resultados reforçam a necessidade da efetiva estruturação da assistência farmacêutica nas RAS superando uma visão restritiva das suas atividades, que valoriza quase que exclusivamente seu componente logístico de apoio a rede em detrimento da clínica. É igualmente importante ampliar e aprimorar o acesso da população aos medicamentos assim como e qualificar o cuidado em saúde ofertado aos usuários do sistema.

Abstract This study aimed to describe and characterize the pharmaceutical services provided in Brazil's Unified Health System (SUS) from the point of view of the healthcare networks that are organized by region in the QualiSUS-Rede Project. This was a cross-sectional study, with data collected from December 2013 to July 2015, in public health establishments that carried out delivery or warehousing of medications (n = 4,938), in 465 municipalites, and the Federal District, in 43'Health Regions'. The results show the existence of at least one management service supporting the health network, and warehousing of medications in all the regions (> 90%). It also showed the availability of at least one healthcare service, in healthcare locations, by pharmaceutical professionals is irregular between the Regions, being highest in the Southeastern Region (74.3%), and lowest in the Northeastern Region (43.3%). The results underpine the need for effective structuring of pharmaceutical assistance in the SUS networks, overcoming the current restrictive vision of its activities, which gives value almost exclusively to the logistical component of support to the network, to the detriment of the clinical component. It is also important to expand, and improve the quality of, the population's access to medical drugs, and improve the quality of the healthcare offered to users of the system.