Acesso a medicamentos após a alta hospitalar: experiência de pacientes hospitalizados e profissionais da saúde

Abstract

Aim: To understand the perspectives from users regarding access to medications post-discharge. Method: Case study with qualitative approach based on comprehensive sociology. Nine patients at a general teaching hospital and seven companions were the subjects. Data was collected through interviews based on a semi-structured script. After that, the data was submitted to content analysis. Results: Two categories were identified: 1. (Des) continuity of drug therapy; 2. Inconsistent information as a barrier to medication access. The perspectives reported by the users demonstrate the existence of a complex post-discharge process, which is permeated by the prescription of drugs not available in the health care net and the occurrence of other needs in the care process competes with the search for the drug. The failure in identifying the users and their needs as the central object in the information supply process, as well as the provision of incomplete and inappropriate information, also is pointed out in the reports. Conclusion: Despite the existence of a universal health system in Brazil, the findings point out, in the place under study, that these factors weaken the access to medications, making the transition of the patient into the care network a delicate process.