Abstract

MAGARINOS-TORRES, Rachel et al. Adesão às listas de medicamentos essenciais por médicos brasileiros em atuação no sistema único de saúde. Rev. Bras. Educ. Med. [online]. 2014, vol.38, n.03, pp.323-330. ISSN 1981-5271.

To investigate the adherence to the essential medicines lists (EML) by Brazilian physicians practicing in the public health system and the role of the EML in prescribing practices, identifying barriers to their use in Brazil. Methods: A nationwide study interviewed physicians from diverse public healthcare settings in 30 facilities, in municipalities with different statuses in regard to the existence of EMLs. Research data was analyzed through content analysis and perception analysis techniques. The final analytical categories were (i) physician’s contact with different EMLs, (ii) use of EMLs in clinical practice and (iii) physician’s perceptions regarding the essential medicines concept. Results: A total of 58 physicians were interviewed, from all five Brazilian regions: eleven from the Northeast, eleven from the Mid-West, and twelve each from the Southeast, the North and the South. Seventeen of the 58 physicians reported previous contact with an EML, most of which had occurred with municipal lists. All physicians informed that they did not use the Brazilian Essential Medicines List (RENAME) in their clinical practices. Among the main reasons for this were: (i) unavailability of listed medicines at required moment, (ii) the lack of necessary information and training for adequate use of EML, and (iii) the perception that the composition of the EML is inadequate for clinical demands. Conclusions: Results from content analysis exposed low awareness regarding EMLs and the essential medicines concept, in addition to a low level of adherence to EMLs. Even though some physicians reported having previous contact with an EML, this tool is not valued as an evidence-based information source for writing prescriptions.

Keywords : Essential Drugs; Medical Education; Primary Care Physicians; Hospitalists; Pharmaceutical Services; Brazilian Unified Health System; Brazil.

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