Análise da implementação de projetos de Farmácias Vivas no Brasil

Abstract

In the last 20 years, there has been progress in public policies related to phytotherapics, including the National Policy on Medicinal Plants and Phytotherapics (PNPMF), which aims to implement phytotherapy in the Unified Health System (SUS) to meet a socio-economic need of the Brazilian population. Among the strategies of the PNPMF are the Herbal Pharmacy (Farmácia Viva), which use phytotherapy as a therapeutic resource to strengthen the SUS. This research aimed to analyze the implementation of “Farmácia Viva” projects in Brazil, identify the public health policies that permeate the “Farmácia Viva” project and verify the internal and external strengths and weaknesses of the units implemented. The study is characterized as a cross-sectional observational study with a qualitative approach. The research was divided into two main stages: the first studied a focus group with social actors related to “Farmácia Viva” projects in the state of Amazonas; and the second evaluated “Farmácia Viva” projects in Brazil using a SWOT matrix through a virtualized questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. Content analysis was used to process the data from the first stage, while the second stage provided descriptive data on the “Farmácia Viva” units and identified internal and external factors through a SWOT analysis of 10 participating “Farmácia Viva”, covering all of Brazil's geographical regions. From the focus group, the following categories were identified: Complexities in the adherence of prescribers and management in Manaus/AM; Perception of adherence to medicinal plants and herbal medicines by users; Aspects and implications in the implementation of “Farmácia Viva” in Manaus; Farmácia viva: perspectives of the project and the impact on Public Health. The focus group discussions and categories led to the development of the script for the second stage interviews. As a result, the SWOT assessment highlighted positive points of internal and external origin, such as the health education practices associated with the “Farmácia Viva”, integration with the local community and intersectoral coordination. The negative points include the scale of production, maintenance and the lack of training for the professionals participating in the units and ongoing resources for the financial sustainability of the projects. The conclusion is that the implementation of “Farmácia Viva” faces sustainability challenges, requiring specific investments in health policies related to phytotherapy and in the maintenance of the units. The study highlights the importance of promoting health education practices, government support and strategic partnerships to strengthen the units in Brazil. A multidisciplinary approach by health professionals and collaboration between different sectors and social actors are essential for resolving the difficulties that permeate the projects and units.