Insertion of phytotherapy in family health units in São Luís, Maranhão state: reality, challenges and strategies

• Autor(a) principal: Araujo, Waleska Regina Machado
• Data de Publicação: 2014
• Outros Autores: Silva, Rômulo Vieira, Barros, Clemilson da Silva, Amaral, Flavia Maria Mendonça do
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: por
• Título da fonte: Revista Brasileira de Medicina de Família e Comunidade (Online)
• Texto Completo: https://www.rbmfc.org.br/rbmfc/article/view/789
• topic: Phytotherapy; Family Health Strategy; Professional Training; Fitoterapia; Estrategia de Salud Familiar; Capacitación Profesional; Fitoterapia; Estratégia Saúde da Família; Capacitação Profissional; Fitoterapia; Saúde da Família; Assistência Farmacêutica

Objective: to analyse the insertion of phytotherapy in family health units (FHU) in the municipality of São Luís, Maranhão state, Brasil. Methods: analytical, observational and cross-sectional study using a semi structured questionnaire with open and closed questions, applied to directors of FHU. The research variables were: professional category; implementation of phytotherapy in FHU; benefits of this therapy in primary care; professional continuing education/training in phytotherapy; and challenges to effective services. Results: from the 18 directors interviewed we found that: 50% were nurses; 81% were unaware of the current regulations on phytotherapy within the national health policy; 94% believed that offering phytotherapy as alternative and complementary therapy would benefit the community’s quality of life; and 94% of professionals did not have any training in phytotherapy. Personal experiences regarding phytotherapy were occasionally reported by the directors. Among the challenges mentioned by the respondents, the need for adequate physical structure and professional training was emphasized. Conclusion: the study indicates the real possibility of insertion of phytotherapy in FHU by promoting mechanisms for professional training and continuing education; studying regional plant species used by the local community; and the effective support of multidisciplinary team in order to qualify and expand primary care access to alternative and/or complementary practices.