Characterization of drugs prescribed to the elderly in the Family Health Strategy

• Autor(a) principal: Paes de Oliveira, Camila Alves
• Data de Publicação: 2009
• Outros Autores: Sanches Marin, Maria Jose [UNIFESP], Marchioli, Milton, Magalhaes Pizoletto, Bruno Henrique, Santos, Rafael Varella dos
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: por
• Título da fonte: Repositório Institucional da UNIFESP
• Texto Completo: http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0102-311X2009000500007; http://repositorio.unifesp.br/handle/11600/43214
• topic: Drug Prescriptions; Health of the Elderly; Family Health Program

Considering that the elderly are heavy consumers of medications, with significant consequences for their living conditions, the current study was intended to analyze the characteristics of such drug prescription, using the indicators proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO), and to characterize the drug classes prescribed to them in four units under the Family Health Strategy (FHS) in Marilia, Sao Paulo State, Brazil. One family health unit (FIIU) was selected by region of the city, and 100 patient charts were checked in FHU-A; 86 in B, 99 in C, and 97 in D. According to WHO drug prescription criteria, the results were similar to the recommended patterns except for drug prescription by generic name. In addition, there were significant differences between the family health units. The most frequently prescribed drug classes were for cardiovascular disorders. The health professionals showed a concern for adjusting drug prescription to rational-use criteria. However, there is a need for understanding the differences in prescription between units and a search for consensus, aimed at rational drug use.