Tecnologia da informação e comunicação como suporte à prática clínica de farmacêuticos em hospitais brasileiros: do diagnóstico situacional à proposta de modelo

Abstract

Little is known about the access, knowledge, skill, and attitude of pharmacists in the use of information and communication technologies in Brazil. Based on a survey, using a validated electronic questionnaire, a diagnosis was elaborated, grounding the proposition of a theoretical-schematic model for software to support the clinical practice (CP) of pharmacists. In total, 348 valid responses were obtained, identifying that clinical pharmacists have computer access at work (89.4%; n = 311); with internet (83.9%, n = 292); feel competent to perform article searches in databases (93.4%, n = 325), and to use MeSH terms (97.4%, n = 347); but revealed the absence of formal education for this purpose. Despite access to search engines and scientific databases, most use Google® (78.7%, n = 274) as the main search engine, and recognize the need to expand their knowledge in the area. It was also identified that 97.41% (n = 339) of the pharmacists registered CP in electronic media (64.01%; n = 217), using a spreadsheet (47.93%, n = 104). But 87.61% (n = 297) maintain archives, in physical media (80.13%, n = 238), and for a shorter period than established in the regulations (77.31%, n = 184). Furthermore, 55.17% (n = 192) document their practice in medical records; and 74.71% (n = 260) disseminate the information, increasing with time dedicated exclusively to CP (p = 0.012). The mapping revealed 1092 requirements, mainly functional (93.5%, n = 1021); as well as: data inputs; information outputs; and interfaces with scientific databases and other software. Non-functional requirements emphasized the importance of security (p <001) and of information archives using standardized descriptors (p <001). The functional requirements revealed concern about: patient safety; communication, and with functions that facilitate the professional routine. This diagnosis grounded the proposition of a model for CP software, anchored in the concepts of collaborative network, referral, counter-referral, sharing, territoriality of care; empowerment and value creation for people on medication. We hope that this proposal will raise concerns and stimulate advances in the clinical practice of pharmacists in Brazil.