The Role of Nurses in the Prescription and Orientation of Use of Hormonal Contraceptives on Primary Care and Institution of a Therapeutic Protocol in Western Amazon

The Role of Nurses in the Prescription and Orientation of Use of Hormonal Contraceptives on Primary Care and Institution of a Therapeutic Protocol in western Amazon

ASSIS, W.A.L.M.; DOMBROWSKI, J.G.; PONTES, J.A.

Centro de Ciências da Saúde e do Desporto/UFAC

 

ABSTRACT

 

A major challenge for nurses is the prescription of hormonal reversible contraceptives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of nurses and subsequently establish a treatment protocol for the prescription and use of hormonal reversible contraceptives in Primary Care Network of the Municipality of Rio Branco – Acre, a county in western Amazon. A descriptive, transversal and quantitative study was conducted, with 64 nurses at healthcare units as subjects, in the period of September-November 2010. Data were collected through structured interviews with professionals and as data collection instrument a questionnaire was used. The results showed that 96.9% of nurses are prescribing hormonal contraceptives and that the majority (90.6%) is aware of the government laws about nursing prescription. We also observed that the contraceptive was chosen based on client's choice and interview (36% and 34% respectively), and that despite the limited availability of contraceptive methods offered by the Health System in Brazil, the majority of nurses (90.6%) reported self-confidence choosing  and prescribing these drugs, being the main activity in the orientation of family planning. Thus, assistance to family planning conducted by qualified insured professionals and legally supported is crucial for the reproductive rights of the population.

Keywords: Contraceptive Methods; Nurse, Therapeutic Protocol.