Integrative and Complementary Practices in Primary Health Care in a northeastern Brazilian capital

Abstract

The study aimed to describe the provision, work and continuing education of Integrative and Complementary Practices (ICP) as perceived by healthcare professionals. This is a cross-sectional study, analyzing modules I and II of the 3rd Cycle within the Brazilian National Program for Improving Primary Care Access and Quality. The investigation included profiling 186 participating professionals, gathering data on ICP, work processes and continuing education. Of these, 88.7% offered some kind of practice, with nurses offering the most (96.2%). Auriculotherapy (83.3%), the use of medicinal plants and herbal medicines (77.9%) and community therapy (48.9%) were the most commonly offered practices. While 86.5% of respondents reported receiving managerial support, a shortage of essential resources was observed. 82.2% of respondents participated in continuing education activities related to practices facilitated by municipal management (93%) and conducted within the health unit itself (90.8%). The findings underscore the existence of an ongoing education process, yet the primary barrier to consolidating this care model in Primary Healthcare is linked to the insufficient availability of resources. Consequently, there is a pressing need for incentives to enhance the health work process, fostering the expansion and enhancement of diverse ICP offerings.