Judicialização no acesso a medicamentos: os números no período de 2019 a 2021 no município de Ponta Grossa, Paraná / Judicialization in access to medicines: the numbers in the period from 2019 to 2021 in the municipality of Ponta Grossa, Paraná

descrever o perfil das ações judiciais quanto ao fornecimento de medicamentos no município de Ponta Grossa, Paraná, entre 2019 a 2021. Metodologia: Utilizou-se o método descritivo-exploratório e retrospectivo, de abordagem quantitativa. Foram analisados 89 processos, sendo grande parte dos autores do sexo feminino (57,3%), com predomínio de assistência jurídica pública por meio do Ministério Público (69,7%) e com prescrições do serviço público (96,6%). Resultados: Observou-se que 93,3% das solicitações não constavam na Relação Nacional de Medicamentos Essenciais. Ademais, verificou-se maior demanda do medicamento Avastin (31,5). As doenças que mais acometeram a parte autora foram retinopatia diabética (42,7%; n=38) e doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (24,7%). Destaca-se que no período da coleta de dados, 79,8% dos processos encontravam-se finalizados. Os valores gastos com a judicialização de medicamentos variaram de R$ 407,94 a R$ 47.220,00. Considerações: Haja vista o número não exorbitante de ações judiciais, é possível que existam estratégias municipais efetivas, ou a ausência de Defensoria Pública no atendimento as demandas de saúde, pode ter tornado fator inibidor de acesso à justiça. Outro ponto quanto a delimitação no acesso, são os requisitos cumulativos firmados na tese pelo STF, quanto a concessão de medicamentos não previstos nas listas de dispensação do SUS. Conclui-se que há necessidade de aprimorar o diálogo entre o judiciário e o setor de saúde por meio dos seus gestores, bem como a realização de mais estudos para subsidiar um mapeamento, planejamento, descrição de gastos com a judicialização, aquisição de medicamentos e incorporação de novas tecnologias

Objective: to describe the profile of lawsuits regarding the supply of medicines in the city of Ponta Grossa, Paraná, between 2019 and 2021. Methods: A descriptive-exploratory and retrospective method was used, with a quantitative approach. A total of 89 processes were analyzed, most of which were female authors (57.3%), with a predominance of public legal assistance through the Public Prosecutor's Office (69.7%) and with prescriptions from the public service (96.6%). Results: It was observed that 93.3% of requests were not included in the National List of Essential Medicines. Furthermore, there was a greater demand for the drug Avastin (31.5). The diseases that most affected the author were diabetic retinopathy (42.7%; n=38) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (24.7%). It is noteworthy that during the data collection period, 79.8% of the processes were concluded. The amounts spent on the legalization of medicines ranged from R$ 407.94 to R$ 47,220.00. Considerations: Given the not exorbitant number of lawsuits, it is possible that there are effective municipal strategies, or the absence of a Public Defender's Office in meeting health demands, which may have become an inhibiting factor in access to justice. Another point regarding the delimitation of access, are the cumulative requirements signed in the thesis by the STF, regarding the concession of medicines not foreseen in the SUS dispensing lists. It is concluded that there is a need to improve the dialogue between the judiciary and the health sector through its managers, as well as to carry out more studies to support a mapping, planning, description of expenses with the judicialization, acquisition of medicines and incorporation of new technologies

Consumption of benzylpenicillin as a syphilis control indicator

Abstract Syphilis is a disease with compulsory and mandatory notification to the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN), with benzathine benzylpenicillin being the treatment of choice. The aim of the study was to compare the consumption of benzylpenicillin benzathine, from the dispensation, between the health regions of a capital in the southern region of the country, according to the georeferencing of notified cases of syphilis. This is a descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective study of the use of benzylpenicillin benzathine and of reported cases of syphilis. Data on syphilis cases were obtained from notifications made in SINAN, and drug consumption data were obtained from the Municipal Health Department computerized system for Drug Dispensing from January 1st, 2019 to December 31st, 2019. Notifications and drug consumption were georeferenced according to 8 health regions. From the compilation of data, the rates of cases and consumption in relation to the population of each region were calculated. A total of 3188 notifications and a total of 35191 vials of benzathine benzylpenicillin were analyzed. The ratio of vials by SINAN notifications showed that each patient took 11 vials of the drug, which is a higher value if we consider that the complete treatment is 2 to 6 vials per case.

Public Programs for Essential Medicine Access in a Small Municipality: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Abstract Background: Public programs that provide access to essential medications have played an important role in the care of hypertensive and diabetic patients. However, access in small municipalities has been poorly studied. Objectives: To describe the sociodemographic profile and the medication and health service usage of patients with systemic arterial hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus in a small municipality who use the public medication access programs Health has no Price (Saúde Não Tem Preço - SNTP) and the Minas Pharmacy Network. Methods: This cross-sectional study with 341 participants was conducted in 2019. Home interviews were conducted using a standardized, semi-structured questionnaire. The data are expressed as absolute and relative frequencies, and Pearson's chi-square test was used for comparisons between proportions (α = 5%). Results: Most of the participants (70.68%) had hypertension only, 11.14% had diabetes only, and 18.18% had both. Regarding the origin of the hypertension medications, 82.67% were provided by the Minas Pharmacy Network and/or SNTP programs. Regarding oral hypoglycemic agents and insulins, 88.61% were provided by the Minas Pharmacy Network and/or SNTP. Most participants were female (63.1%), at least 65 years of age (50.30%), non-White (66.96%), resided in an urban area (67.16%), were illiterate or had a low education level (89.94%), and had a maximum income ≤ 2 times the federal minimum salary (89.19%). Overall user perception was significantly better for SNTP (p=0.010). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that programs which provide access to essential medications are important sources of hypertension and diabetes medications in the study area, especially for people with low incomes.

Drugs supply and pharmaceutical care management practices at a designated hospital during the COVID-19 epidemic.

The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus that was first detected at the end of December 2019. The epidemic has affected various regions of China in different degrees. As the situations evolve, the COVID-19 had been confirmed in many countries, and made a assessment that it can be characterized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020. Drugs are the main treatment of COVID-19 patients. Pharmaceutical service offers drug safety ensurance for COVID-19 patients. According to COVID-19 prevention and control policy and requirements, combined with series of diagnosis and treatment plans, pharmacists in the first provincial-level COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment unit in Jilin Province in Northeast China have established the management practices of drug supply and pharmaceutical care from four aspects: personnel, drugs supply management, off-label drug use management and pharmaceutical care. During the outbreak, the pharmaceutical department of THJU completed its assigned workload to ensure drug supply. So far, no nosocomial infections and medication errors have occurred, which has stabilized the mood of the staff and boosted the pharmacists' confidence in fighting the epidemic. For the treatment of COVID-19, pharmacists conducted adverse reaction monitoring and participated in the multidisciplinary consultation of COVID-19. Up to now, the COVID-19 patients admitted to THJU have not shown any new serious adverse reactions and been cured finally. The hospital pharmacy department timely adjusted the work mode, and the formed management practices is a powerful guarantee for the prevention and control of the COVID-19 epidemic. This paper summarized the details and practices of drug supply and pharmaceutical services management to provide experience for the people who involving in COVID-19 prevention and contain in other abroad epidemic areas.

Plano de contingência municipal de enfrentamento ao coronavírus (COVID-19): Lajeado - TO / Municipal contingency plan for coping with coronavirus (COVID-19): Lajeado - TO

Orienta na campanha para ações de combate ao Coronavírus (Covid-19) no município de Lajeado no Tocantins

Guides in the campaign for actions to fight Coronavirus (Covid-19) in the municipality of Lajeado in Tocantins

Guías en la campaña de acciones de combate al Coronavirus (Covid-19) en el municipio de Lajeado en Tocantins

Guides de la campagne d'actions de lutte contre le Coronavirus (Covid-19) dans la commune de Lajeado à Tocantins

Importância do farmacêutico na Atenção Primária / The importance of pharmacists in Primary Care

Objetivo: Verificar a presença do farmacêutico nas Unidades Básicas de Saúde, identificando as classes terapêuticas mais dispensadas e suas condições de armazenamento. Métodos: Estudo de campo, com caráter descritivo e abordagem qualiquantitativa, utilizando Graphpad Prism®, versão 5.03, e o Microsoft Excel 2010. Resultados: O farmacêutico estava ausente nas 96 Unidades Básicas de Saúde estudadas. Por meio de checklist aplicado em 18 Unidades Básicas de Saúde, 8 tinham algum tipo de fonte de calor; 4, umidade; 14 não controlavam temperatura para produtos termolábeis; 8 tinham medicamentos próximos do piso, da parede e do teto; 1 tinha medicamentos sujeitos a controle especial fora de um armário com chave. Todas as Unidades Básicas de Saúde apresentaram descarte correto das medicações vencidas. As classes medicamentosas mais dispensadas foram anti-inflamatórios não esteroides, anti-hipertensivos, antidiabéticos, anticoncepcionais, anti-helmínticos, antibióticos, antifúngicos, inibidores da bomba de prótons e psicotrópicos. Conclusão: A ausência do farmacêutico nas Unidades Básicas de Saúde estudadas possivelmente foi responsável pelas inconformidades nas condições de armazenamento dos medicamentos, regulamentada inclusive por Resolução da Diretoria Colegiada. As classes terapêuticas dispensadas estavam de acordo com o padrão da Atenção Primária, porém a não participação do farmacêutico pode gerar riscos aos pacientes. As autoridades devem se conscientizar da importância da participação desse profissional no ciclo primário de saúde. (AU)

Objective: To verify the availability of pharmacists in the Basic Health Units, and to identify the most dispensed types of drugs, and their storage conditions. Methods: This is a descriptive field study with a qualitative/quantitative approach, using GraphpadPrism ® version 5.03 and Microsoft Excel 2010. Results: The pharmacist was absent in 96 Basic Health Units studied. A checklist applied to the 18 Basic Health Units showed that 8 of them had heat sources; 4, humidity; 14 lacked control of temperature for thermolabile products; 8 kept drugs near the floor, wall, and ceiling; 1 kept prescription drugs out of lockable cabinets; all of them presented correct disposal of expired medications. The most dispensed drug types were: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antihypertensives, antidiabetic drugs, contraceptives, anthelmintics, antibiotics, antifungals, proton pump inhibitors, and psychotropics. Conclusion: The absence of pharmacists in the Basic Health Units studied was possibly responsible for nonconformities in the drugs maintenance conditions, which are regulated by an ANVISA's Board Resolution. The dispensed therapeutic classes are in accordance with the Primary Care standard, but the absence of a pharmacist can lead to risks to the patients. The authorities shall be aware of the importance of the participation of this professional in the primary health cycle. (AU)

The impact of the absorbent products distribution system on family caregivers of older people with incontinence in Italy: perception of the support received.

BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence is a chronic, age-related disorder, likely to increase in the future due to global population ageing. In Italy, as in most countries, older people with incontinence are often cared for by family caregivers, whose burden might be worsened by the perception of receiving an inadequate support, due to the lack of customized services. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the absorbent products distribution method on family caregivers' perception of the support received. METHODS: The study compared the distribution of pads to homes and in pharmacy via a survey reaching 101 family caregivers of older people with incontinence living in two geographical areas of the Marche Region (Central Italy) with different distribution systems. The association between "Quality of perceived support" (the outcome variable) and two types of absorbent products delivery methods (i.e. pharmacy and home distribution) was analysed by means of a general linear model. RESULTS: Findings show that family caregivers receiving pads at home (HODs) perceived a higher support than those gaining them at the pharmacy (PHADs) (respectively 68.1% vs 35%). The association between perceived support level and distribution system remained even after correction for confounding factors. 70.2% of PHADs reported "Poor well-being", versus only 53.7% of HODs. The latter are more satisfied with the type of products distribution and thus less inclined to experiment different systems for the supply of products for the urinary continence (e.g. by voucher). The results are virtually reversed among PHADs and the difference is statistically significant (p <  0.001). CONCLUSIONS: When family caregivers feel supported by a more customized service delivery system, their perception of the care-related burden is mitigated. Thus, it is important to consider the needs of both family caregivers and cared for older people, and not only of the latter for designing a more suitable distribution of absorbent products. The best solution could be leaving end-users the freedom to choose how they want to get products (e.g. voucher or personal budget). This requires a reorganization of the current pads delivery systems adopted by the Marche and by other Italian Regional Health Systems.

Diversity as salvation? - A comparison of the diversity rationale in the Swedish pharmacy ownership liberalization reform and the primary care choice reform.

Widespread liberalizing reform of the Swedish community pharmacy and primary care sectors took place in 2009-2010, including opening the market to private providers. One important rationale for the reforms was to increase diversity in the health-care system by providing more choices for individuals. The aim of this study was to increase the understanding how policy makers understood and defined diversity as a concept, and as a rationale for the reforms. The method used was document analysis of preparatory work and plenary parliament debate protocols. The results show that policy makers held vague and unclear definitions of diversity, which complicated its implementation. Diversity was sometimes seen as an effect of competition-a goal-while in other cases it was seen as a condition to be met in order to achieve competition-a means. Thus, policy makers viewed diversity both as a goal and as a means, making the underlying mechanisms unclear. The findings also revealed that policy makers failed to consistently demonstrate how the introduction of competition would lead to diversity.

Desabastecimento de medicamentos na literatura científica da saúde: uma revisão narrativa / Medicines shortage in medical scientific journals: a literature review

Resumo O desabastecimento de medicamentos já é considerado um problema de saúde pública e representa um obstáculo importante para a garantia do acesso a eles e, consequentemente, do direito à saúde. Sendo assim, com o intuito de compreender melhor esse fenômeno, este artigo buscou identificar, descrever e caracterizar as publicações científicas da saúde que versam sobre o tema de desabastecimento de medicamentos e identificar as lacunas de pesquisa. Para tanto, realizou-se revisão narrativa da literatura científica na base de dados PubMed. Os resultados foram selecionados de acordo com o título e resumo, e os dados foram extraídos do texto completo. Além de uma análise quantitativa, também foi realizada uma síntese qualitativa dos estudos, explicitando as principais causas, estratégias de enfrentamento, discussões conceituais e a descrição do problema contido nas publicações incluídas. Foram analisados 98 artigos, a maioria foi publicada a partir do ano de 2011, nos EUA, citando diversos medicamentos e com o foco na descrição do problema. Os resultados deste estudo sugerem a contemporaneidade do problema, o uso da literatura científica como denúncia e a falta de estudos sobre o tema em países de baixa e média renda e que se voltem a compreender suas causas.

Abstract The shortage of medicines is already considered a public health problem that affects several regions worlwide and is a major obstacle to ensure access to medicines and, consequently, the right to health. Thus, in order to better understand this phenomenon, this article sought to identify, describe and characterize the medical scientific publications that deal with the issue of medicines shortages and to identify the gaps on this theme. For that, a narrative review of the medical scientific literature was carried out in the PubMed database. The results were selected according to the title and abstract, and the data were extracted from the full text. In addition to quantitative analysis, a qualitative synthesis of the studies was also performed, identifying the mentioned causes, coping strategies, conceptual discussions and problem description. We analyzed 98 papers, most of them published since the year 2011, in the United States, citing various drugs and with a focus on describing the problem. The results of this study suggest the contemporaneous of the problem, the use of scientific literature as drug shortages denunciation, the lack of studies in low- and middle-income settings, and a gap in studies that investigates the causes of medicines shortages.

Liberalization and integration of drug distribution in the EU 28 and Norway.

The pharmaceutical distribution system in Europe is undergoing a long-term change. Wholesale companies join together to form both horizontally and vertically integrated structures. Pharmacies, formerly owned almost exclusively by pharmacists, are becoming part of the chain thanks to the liberalization of operating conditions. Chains are expanding successfully due to economies of scale and purchasing power for negotiation with suppliers. Independent pharmacies are becoming part of virtual chains to better compete with chains. An assortment previously reserved to pharmacies is also marketed in food stores or gas pumps due to legislative changes. E-pharmacies and e-shops compete in the area of over-the-counter pharmaceuticals and the complementary range of pharmacies. The paper describes systems of pharmaceutical distribution and their specifics in individual EU countries and Norway. In eight EU countries, the legislative framework does not allow the formation of pharmacy chains. More than 50% of public pharmacies are integrated into chains in six member states. A question remains concerning the influence of these different approaches to market regulation and thus different functioning of the market on the availability of pharmaceuticals for customers and also on the total costs of the pharmaceutical distribution system. Key words: pharmaceutical distribution • community pharmacy • EU28 • liberalization • integration.

Intensive Pharmacy Care Improves Outcomes of Hepatitis C Treatment in a Vulnerable Patient Population at a Safety-Net Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens has resulted in high rates of sustained virologic response (SVR). Treatment of vulnerable populations may be improved by incorporating an on-site intensive specialty pharmacy (ON-ISP). AIMS: To describe outcomes of HCV treatment at a safety-net hospital and proportion of subjects achieving SVR for those using the ON-ISP compared to an off-site pharmacy (OFF-SP). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 219 subjects treated for HCV with DAA at Boston Medical Center was conducted. Subject characteristics, virologic response, and pharmacy services used were recorded. We used multivariable logistic regression to test the association between ON-ISP and SVR after adjusting for covariates. RESULTS: SVR occurred in 71% of subjects by intention-to-treat (73% among ON-ISP users vs 57% among OFF-SP users) and 95% completing treatment per-protocol (96% among ON-ISP users vs 87% among OFF-SP users). Adjustment for age, sex, ethnicity, insurance, fibrosis, prior treatment, and MELD revealed an increased likelihood of SVR among users of ON-ISP: OR 6.0 (95% CI 1.18-31.0). No significant difference in treatment delay or adverse events was seen among users of either pharmacy type. CONCLUSIONS: HCV treatment with DAA was well tolerated, but the rate of SVR was low (71%) compared to trials. This was due to loss to follow-up, as the per-protocol rate of SVR was much higher (95%). Use of ON-ISP was associated with an increase in SVR and may be valuable for improving care for vulnerable populations.

Predicting pharmacy naloxone stocking and dispensing following a statewide standing order, Indiana 2016.

BACKGROUND: While naloxone, the overdose reversal medication, has been available for decades, factors associated with its availability through pharmacies remain unclear. Studies suggest that policy and pharmacist beliefs may impact availability. Indiana passed a standing order law for naloxone in 2015 to increase access to naloxone. OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with community pharmacy naloxone stocking and dispensing following the enactment of a statewide naloxone standing order. METHODS: A 2016 cross-sectional census of Indiana community pharmacists was conducted following a naloxone standing order. Community, pharmacy, and pharmacist characteristics, and pharmacist attitudes about naloxone dispensing, access, and perceptions of the standing order were measured. Modified Poisson and binary logistic regression models attempted to predict naloxone stocking and dispensing, respectively. RESULTS: Over half (58.1%) of pharmacies stocked naloxone, yet 23.6% of pharmacists dispensed it. Most (72.5%) pharmacists believed the standing order would increase naloxone stocking, and 66.5% believed it would increase dispensing. Chain pharmacies were 3.2 times as likely to stock naloxone. Naloxone stocking was 1.6 times as likely in pharmacies with more than one full-time pharmacist. Pharmacies where pharmacists received naloxone continuing education in the past two years were 1.3 times as likely to stock naloxone. The attempted dispensing model yielded no improvement over the constant-only model. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacies with larger capacity took advantage of the naloxone standing order. Predictors of pharmacist naloxone dispensing should continue to be explored to maximize naloxone access.

[Sources of medicines for chronic patients using the Brazilian Unified National Health System]. / Fontes de obtenção de medicamentos por pacientes diagnosticados com doenças crônicas, usuários do Sistema Único de Saúde.

The article aimed to identify the sources of medicines for users of the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS) that reported chronic non-communicable diseases, characterizing the group according to demographic, socioeconomic, and health variables in the different regions of Brazil. Data were analyzed from the National Survey on Access, Use, and Promotion of Rational Use of Medicines in Brazil (PNAUM), a cross-sectional population-based study. The dependent variable was "source of medicines", and the associations were analyzed with demographic, socioeconomic, and health status variables. Users that obtained care and medicines solely in the SUS were designated here as SUS-exclusive. Some 39% of persons obtained their medicines from SUS pharmacies and 28.5% from other sources. The study found 42.9%, 41.8%, 40.2%, and 31% of exclusive SUS users in the Southeast, South, North, and Northeast regions of Brazil, respectively. SUS users have the SUS as their primary source of medicines, but there is also a relevant share from other sources, suggesting problems with access in the SUS. In the South and Southeast regions, the population relies less on private pharmacies than in the Northeast and North.

Este artigo teve como objetivo identificar as fontes de obtenção de medicamentos utilizadas por usuários do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) com relato de doenças crônicas, caracterizando tal população quanto a variáveis demográficas, socioeconômicas e de saúde nas diferentes regiões do Brasil. Foram analisados dados da Pesquisa Nacional sobre o Acesso, Utilização e Promoção do Uso Racional de Medicamentos no Brasil (PNAUM), um estudo transversal de base populacional. A variável dependente foi a "fonte de obtenção de medicamentos" e foram analisadas associações com variáveis demográficas, socioeconômicas e com o estado de saúde. Os usuários que obtiveram cuidado e medicamentos unicamente no SUS foram aqui designados como SUS-exclusivos. Cerca de 39% das pessoas obtiveram seus medicamentos exclusivamente em farmácias do SUS e 28,5% recorreram a outras fontes. Foram encontrados 42,9%, 41,8%, 40,2%, 31%, usuários SUS-exclusivos, respectivamente, no Sudeste, Sul, Norte, e Nordeste. Os usuários do SUS têm como fonte primária de medicamentos o próprio SUS, entretanto há uma participação relevante de outras fontes de obtenção, indicando problemas no acesso dentro do SUS. No Sul e Sudeste, a população busca menos a farmácia privada do que no Nordeste e Norte do país.

El objetivo de este artículo fue identificar las fuentes de obtención de medicamentos, utilizados por usuarios del Sistema Único de Salud brasileño (SUS), con antecedentes de enfermedades crónicas, caracterizando tanto a la población, como las variables demográficas, socioeconómicas y de salud, en las diferentes regiones del país. Se analizaron los datos de la Encuesta Nacional sobre el Acceso, Utilización y Promoción del Uso Racional de Medicamentos en Brasil (PNAUM), un estudio transversal de base poblacional. La variable dependiente fue la 'fuente de obtención de medicamentos' y se analizaron asociaciones con variables demográficas, socioeconómicas y con el estado de salud. Los usuarios que recibieron cuidados y medicamentos únicamente en el SUS fueron designados aquí como SUS exclusivos. Cerca de un 39% de las personas obtuvieron sus medicamentos exclusivamente en farmacias del SUS y un 28,5% recurrieron a otras fuentes. Se encontraron un 42,9%, 41,8%, 40,2%, 31%, usuarios SUS exclusivos, respectivamente, en el Sudeste, Sur, Norte, y Nordeste. Los usuarios del SUS tienen como fuente primaria de medicamentos el propio SUS, no obstante, existe una participación relevante de otras fuentes de obtención, indicando problemas en el acceso dentro del SUS. En el Sur y Sudeste, la población busca menos la farmacia privada que en el Nordeste y Norte del país.

Perceived Barriers and Facilitators to Providing Methadone Maintenance Treatment Among Rural Community Pharmacists in Southwestern Ontario.

PURPOSE: Misuse of opioids has become a public health concern across North America. Rural patients have limited access to methadone maintenance treatment (MMT), an opioid addiction-treatment service that could be offered by community pharmacists. The aim of this study was to identify rural community pharmacists' perceived barriers, motivations, and solutions to offering MMT to their patients. METHODS: One-on-one, semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 community pharmacists who practice in rural southwestern Ontario. Interview transcripts were analyzed using inductive qualitative content analysis. FINDINGS: Increased workload, extended operating hours, and concerns about safety, theft, burglary, community resistance, and availability of methadone training courses were identified as pharmacist-related barriers to providing MMT services. Professional satisfaction and community service were primary motivations for offering the service. Limited pharmacy staff availability exacerbated concerns about increased workload and security. Slower rural emergency-response times were cited among safety concerns. Participating pharmacists felt that rural regions had fewer MMT prescribers and that rural community members had greater apprehension about addiction-treatment services than those in urban communities. Pharmacists proposed that coordinating MMT service provision across multiple community pharmacies in the region could help improve access to treatment among their patients. CONCLUSION: Rural community pharmacy practice has unique barriers to implementing and providing MMT services. A coordinated, multipharmacy approach may be an option to provide and expand MMT services in rural regions.

Avaliação da efetividade do acompanhamento farmacoterapêutico no controle do diabetes mellitus tipo 2 em longo prazo / Evaluation of the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy follow-up in long-term control of diabetes mellitus type 2

Introdução: O número de farmacêuticos que atuam em unidades básicas de saúde é reduzido, dificultando a execução do acompanhamento farmacoterapêutico (AFT) para um elevado número de pacientes. Portanto, deve-se estabelecer um período de execução do AFT, para que muitos pacientes sejam contemplados, contudo são escassos os estudos que avaliam a continuidade do controle da doença após a alta do serviço. Dessa forma, este estudo propôs avaliar o desfecho clínico de pacientes diagnosticados com Diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) após a alta de um serviço de AFT. Métodos: Estudo de coorte retrospectiva após estudo de intervenção de um acompanhamento farmacoterapêutico, que avaliou 64 pacientes divididos em dois grupos: estudo (participaram de um programa de AFT) e controle (não participaram do programa de AFT). Foram coletados dados clínicos e laboratoriais destes pacientes ao final do programa de AFT (baseline - março/2006 a fevereiro/2007), e nos quatro anos após o término do programa de AFT (março/2007 a agosto/2011). Resultados: Dentre os 64 pacientes, 56 foram incluídos. Nos quatro anos posteriores ao serviço observou-se nove óbitos, sendo seis do grupo controle e três do grupo de estudo (p=0,151). O grupo de estudo manteve os valores de hemoglobina glicada após AFT (HbA1c) (8,5% vs 8,0%, p = 0,082), enquanto que o grupo controle reduziu os valores de hemoglobina glicada (HbA1c) (9,1% vs 8,1%; p = 0,004). O controle da glicemia de jejum (GJ) do grupo de estudo foi mantido após quatro anos (149,5 mg/dL vs 148,8 mg/dL, p = 0,884), bem como o grupo controle (170,7 mg/dL vs 170,6 mg/dL, p = 0,993), no entanto ao comparar os dois grupos após AFT, o grupo de estudo apresenta valor significativamente menor que o grupo controle (p = 0,047). Conclusão: Apesar das diferenças obtidas entre os grupos com o AFT não permanecerem após quatro anos, os resultados clínicos e laboratoriais não apresentaram piora significativa nesse período. (AU)

Introduction: The number of pharmacists working at primary health care units is small, which means that pharmacotherapy follow-up (PFU) cannot be offered to a high number of patients. An established period of PFU could then lead to more patients being treated. However, studies assessing management of chronic diseases after discharge from this service are scarce. Thus, this study evaluated clinical outcomes of patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) after PFU discharge. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted after a PFU intervention study, which evaluated 64 patients divided into two groups: study (who participated in a PFU program) and control (who did not participate in a PFU program). Laboratory and clinical data were collected from these patients at the end of the program (baseline ­ March 2006 to February 2007) and for four years after the end of the program (March 2007 to August 2011). Results: Of 64 patients, 56 were enrolled. In four years after discharge, nine patients died, six of them were from the control group and three from the study group (p = 0.151). The study group maintained glycated hemoglobin A (HbA1c) levels after PFU (8.5% vs. 8.0%, p = 0.082), while the control group showed reduced levels (9.1% vs. 8.1%; p = 0.004). Fasting glucose remained under control in the study group (149.5 mg/dL vs. 148.8 mg/dL, p = 0.884) as well as in the control group (170.7 mg/dL vs. 170.6 mg/dL, p = 0.993) after four years. However, when the groups were compared after PFU, the study group showed a significantly lower value than the control group (p = 0.047). Conclusion: Although the differences observed between the groups during PFU did not remain after four years, clinical and laboratory results did not show significant worsening in the period. (AU)

Fontes de obtenção de medicamentos por pacientes diagnosticados com doenças crônicas, usuários do Sistema Único de Saúde / Sources of medicines for chronic patients using the Brazilian Unified National Health System / Fuentes de obtención de medicamentos por parte de pacientes diagnosticados con enfermedades crónicas, usuarios del Sistema Único de Salud brasileño

Resumo: Este artigo teve como objetivo identificar as fontes de obtenção de medicamentos utilizadas por usuários do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) com relato de doenças crônicas, caracterizando tal população quanto a variáveis demográficas, socioeconômicas e de saúde nas diferentes regiões do Brasil. Foram analisados dados da Pesquisa Nacional sobre o Acesso, Utilização e Promoção do Uso Racional de Medicamentos no Brasil (PNAUM), um estudo transversal de base populacional. A variável dependente foi a "fonte de obtenção de medicamentos" e foram analisadas associações com variáveis demográficas, socioeconômicas e com o estado de saúde. Os usuários que obtiveram cuidado e medicamentos unicamente no SUS foram aqui designados como SUS-exclusivos. Cerca de 39% das pessoas obtiveram seus medicamentos exclusivamente em farmácias do SUS e 28,5% recorreram a outras fontes. Foram encontrados 42,9%, 41,8%, 40,2%, 31%, usuários SUS-exclusivos, respectivamente, no Sudeste, Sul, Norte, e Nordeste. Os usuários do SUS têm como fonte primária de medicamentos o próprio SUS, entretanto há uma participação relevante de outras fontes de obtenção, indicando problemas no acesso dentro do SUS. No Sul e Sudeste, a população busca menos a farmácia privada do que no Nordeste e Norte do país.

Abstract: The article aimed to identify the sources of medicines for users of the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS) that reported chronic non-communicable diseases, characterizing the group according to demographic, socioeconomic, and health variables in the different regions of Brazil. Data were analyzed from the National Survey on Access, Use, and Promotion of Rational Use of Medicines in Brazil (PNAUM), a cross-sectional population-based study. The dependent variable was "source of medicines", and the associations were analyzed with demographic, socioeconomic, and health status variables. Users that obtained care and medicines solely in the SUS were designated here as SUS-exclusive. Some 39% of persons obtained their medicines from SUS pharmacies and 28.5% from other sources. The study found 42.9%, 41.8%, 40.2%, and 31% of exclusive SUS users in the Southeast, South, North, and Northeast regions of Brazil, respectively. SUS users have the SUS as their primary source of medicines, but there is also a relevant share from other sources, suggesting problems with access in the SUS. In the South and Southeast regions, the population relies less on private pharmacies than in the Northeast and North.

Resumen: El objetivo de este artículo fue identificar las fuentes de obtención de medicamentos, utilizados por usuarios del Sistema Único de Salud brasileño (SUS), con antecedentes de enfermedades crónicas, caracterizando tanto a la población, como las variables demográficas, socioeconómicas y de salud, en las diferentes regiones del país. Se analizaron los datos de la Encuesta Nacional sobre el Acceso, Utilización y Promoción del Uso Racional de Medicamentos en Brasil (PNAUM), un estudio transversal de base poblacional. La variable dependiente fue la 'fuente de obtención de medicamentos' y se analizaron asociaciones con variables demográficas, socioeconómicas y con el estado de salud. Los usuarios que recibieron cuidados y medicamentos únicamente en el SUS fueron designados aquí como SUS exclusivos. Cerca de un 39% de las personas obtuvieron sus medicamentos exclusivamente en farmacias del SUS y un 28,5% recurrieron a otras fuentes. Se encontraron un 42,9%, 41,8%, 40,2%, 31%, usuarios SUS exclusivos, respectivamente, en el Sudeste, Sur, Norte, y Nordeste. Los usuarios del SUS tienen como fuente primaria de medicamentos el propio SUS, no obstante, existe una participación relevante de otras fuentes de obtención, indicando problemas en el acceso dentro del SUS. En el Sur y Sudeste, la población busca menos la farmacia privada que en el Nordeste y Norte del país.

Management of pharmaceutical services in the Brazilian primary health care.

OBJECTIVE: To identify limiting factors in the management of pharmaceutical services in the primary health care provided by the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). METHODS: This study was based on the data from the Pesquisa Nacional sobre Acesso, Utilização e Promoção do Uso Racional de Medicamentos no Brasil (PNAUM - National Survey on Access, Use and Promotion of Rational Use of Medicines), and it was conducted by interviews with professionals responsible for pharmaceutical services in Brazilian cities, in 2015. To identify the management limiting factors, we considered the organizational, operational, and sustainability indicators of the management. For the analyses, we included the weights and structure of analysis plan for complex samples. The results were expressed by frequencies and measures of central tendency with 95% confidence interval, considering the Brazilian geographic regions. RESULTS: We identified the following limiting factors: lack of pharmaceutical services in the Municipal Health Secretariat organization chart (24%) and in the health plan (18%); lack of participation of managers in the Health Board and the absence of reference to this topic in the agenda of meetings (58.4%); lack of financial autonomy (61.5%) and lack of knowledge on the available values (81.7%); lack of adoption of operational procedures (about 50%) for selection, scheduling, and acquisition; and the fact that most professionals evaluate the organization of pharmaceutical services as good and great (58.8%), despite the worrisome indicators. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmaceutical services management is currently supported by a legal and political framework that should guide and contribute to improve the pharmaceutical services in the Brazilian Unified Health System primary health care. However, there is a mismatch between the goals established by these guidelines and what is actually happening.

Medicine dispensing service in primary health care of SUS.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the medicine dispensing services in the primary health care network in Brazil and in its different regions, aiming to promote the access and rational use of medicines. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, quantitative study with data obtained from the Pesquisa Nacional sobre Acesso, Utilização e Uso Racional de Medicamentos (PNAUM - National Survey on Access, Use and Promotion of Rational Use of Medicines), 2015. Observation visits were carried out in 1,175 dispensing units, and interviews were held with 1,139 professionals responsible for the dispensation of medicines in the dispensing units and 495 municipal coordinators of pharmaceutical services. RESULTS: More than half (53%) of the units presented a space smaller than 10 m2 for dispensing of medicines; 23.8% had bars or barriers between users and dispenser; 41.7% had computerized system; and 23.7% had counters for individual care. Among those responsible for dispensation, 87.4% said they always or repeatedly inform users how to use the medicines, and 18.1% reported developing some type of clinical activity. Isolated pharmacies presented a more developed physical and personal structure than those belonging to health units, but we found no significant differences regarding the information provided and the development of clinical activities. CONCLUSIONS: There are major differences in the organization models of dispensation between cities, with regional differences regarding the physical structure and professionals involved. The centralization of medicine dispensing in pharmacies separated from the health services is associated with better structural and professional conditions, as in the dispensing units of the South, Southeast, and Midwest regions. However, the development of dispensation as health service does not prevail in any pharmacy or region of the Country yet.

Patient satisfaction with pharmaceutical services in Brazilian primary health care.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate patient satisfaction with pharmaceutical services in Brazilian primary health care. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, exploratory, and evaluative study on a representative sample from the five Brazilian geopolitical regions resulting from the Pesquisa Nacional sobre Acesso, Utilização e Promoção do Uso Racional de Medicamentos - Serviços, 2015 (PNAUM - National Survey on Access, Use and Promotion of Rational Use of Medicines - Services, 2015). The outcome was the patient's satisfaction, obtained using the item response theory. Associations were tested using Pearson's Chi-square test with sociodemographic and health variables, and multiple logistic regression analyses were carried out. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test was used to verify the adequacy of the final model. Logistic regression results were presented as odds ratio. RESULTS: The overall percentage of patients satisfied with these services was 58.4% (95%CI 54.4-62.3). The "opportunity/convenience" aspect had the lowest satisfaction percentage (49.5%; 95%CI 46.4-52.6) and "interpersonal aspects," the highest percentage (90.5%; 95%CI 88.9-91.8), significantly higher than other aspects. Sex, age group, limitations due to disease, and self-perception of health remained associated in the final multiple logistic model regarding general satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the interviewed users were satisfied with pharmaceutical services in Brazilian cities, and the satisfaction with the customer's service was determinant in the patient's overall satisfaction.