García MAJ, León CP, Alonso CL, Rodríguez-Ganen O

Language: Spanish
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Page: 1-9
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ABSTRACT

Introduction: Drugs analysis with a comprehensive, systemic and social approach constitutes an increasing need in health systems.
Objective: Describe results in the field of medicines related with the use of epidemiology in primary health care.
Method: The qualitative method was applied, by a bibliography and document review about the topic. The descriptors DeCs-MeSH used are: epidemiology, medicines, pharmacoepidemiology and primary health care. Direct content analysis was carried out through experts.
Results: The theoretic and practical development of epidemiology may contribute to rationally use medicines. Weaknesses were identified in the health situation analysis, as well as the need to reorient research, technology assessment and health surveillance, in order to provide timely information close to the objective reality about the medicines' effects on health.
Conclusions: Even though these examples are not the only ones showing the work in the pharmacoepidemiology field, research, technology assessment, health surveillance and the analysis of the health situation may strengthen and contribute from the field of epidemiology itself with elements about: the medicines life cycle, consumption profile, self-medication; notification of adverse reaction in consumers, medicines use by population subgroups, and cost for the individual, the family and the community, so that evidences be provided for further policies and interventions in the area of primary health care.