Conhecimento e atitudes de fisioterapeutas sobre fármacos anti-inflamatórios não esteroides

Abstract

MÉTODO:Utilizou-se um questionário com 18 perguntas estruturadas, englobando aspectos demográficos, conhecimento atual, prática atual e a posição do profissional quanto ao uso das AINES. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 119 profissionais, destes, 84,9% cursaram a disciplina de Farmacologia. Os resultados indicam a necessidade de maior educação em relação à legislação corrente sobre a prescrição de fármacos, já que 47,8% afirmam aconselhar, 3,3% prescrever e 21% recomendar o uso de AINES, atos não permitidos para esses profissionais. CONCLUSÃO: Identificou-se fragilidade no conhecimento do profissional fisioterapeuta acerca da utilização do uso dos AINES, ressaltando-se a não identificação de reações adversas, interações farmacológicas e o conhecimento sobre a legislação. Descritores: Anti-inflamatórios não esteroides, Conhecimento, Fisioterapeutas. INTRODUCTIONThe search for knowledge update in different professional areas is mandatory today, especially in public health areas. Drugs have been object of concerns and several studies carried out worldwide in the medical area, emphasizing issues regarding their potential adverse reactions, prescription standards and the influence of advertising on their choice 1,2 . According to the Code of Professional Ethics in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, approved by the Resolution Coffito-10, from July 03, 1978, physical therapists are forbidden to prescribe drugs. However, they should know how physical therapy may affect drug therapy and vice-versa 3 . Aiming at providing drug knowledge to these professionals, the pharmacology discipline is mandatory for Physical Therapy students in most Brazilian courses, being classically ministered for each class of drugs: pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, major drugs, clinical use and side effects 4 . However, an Australian study has pointed to the need for better education of physical therapists about drugs, especially anti-inflammatory uses, indications, contraindications, pharmacological interactions and side effects 5 . Among drugs with excessive number of prescriptions there are non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), with emphasis to the so-called selective cyclo-oxygenases-2 (COX-2) inhibitors 6 . Many NSAIDs have gone from the status of prescription drugs to METHOD:The study consisted of a questionnaire with 18 structured questions, encompassing demographic aspects, current understanding, current practice and professionals' position about the use of NSAIDs. RESULTS: We have evaluated 119 professionals, of whom 84.9% attended the discipline of Pharmacology. Results indicate the need for further education with regard to current legislation about drug prescription, since 47.8% stated advising, 3.3% prescribing and 21% recommending the use of NSAIDs, which is not allowed for these professionals. CONCLUSION: There is poor understanding of physical therapists with regard to the use of NSAIDs, especially the non identification of adverse reactions, drug interactions and knowledge of the legislation.