Drug use: limits and possibilities of the instructions Communitarian Health Agents give to families

DOI: 10.15343/0104-7809.20133714455

Abstract

The present study aims to know the limits and possibilities on the instructions given by Community Health Agents – ACS
on the use of drugs by families assisted by the Family Health Strategy – ESF. This is a qualitative, descriptive, exploratory
and field work. We applied half-structured interviews with 15 ACS from eight units of the Family Health Strategy in a city
in the southern end of Santa Catarina. Data were analysed and classified in categories. The major problems reported by
ACS in the use of medications by families were related to: storage of medication; self-medication; schedule and incorrect
amounts; interaction and adverse reaction of medicines; families having difficulties understanding instructions and adhesion
to treatment; and the use of plant based drugs with continuous use medicine. It is suggested from the results of the
research that ACS be trained for the rational use of medicines by families, and this activity may be developed by pharmacists
from Family Health Support Nuclei – NASF. Pharmaceutical care in FHS requires mediation between ACS knowledge
and the knowledge of families assisted, which implies attentive listening, a real dialogue, identifying the needs of families
and making efforts to create bonds with the community, and the rational use of medicines.