Realidade de discentes do curso de odontologia no contexto da prescrição medicamentosa: da formação e conhecimento para a elaboração de um E-book

Abstract

Introduction: The Dental Surgeon (DS) is authorized to prescribe drugs that can be used in dentistry. However, this practice requires constant updating. Objective: To analyze the demands for assertive drug prescription among students of the UFC-Sobral dentistry course. Methodology: This is an observational, cross-sectional, analytical study with a quantitative approach. Approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Ceará (No. 70079423.6.0000.5054/2024). The study population, which coincided with the sample, was represented by 42 undergraduate students of the UFC-Sobral Campus dentistry course who completed the course in 2024. The research was developed through the Google Forms platform, using a form attached to the Free and Informed Consent Form, in which the following were investigated: student profile; perceptions about training in Pharmacology; knowledge and understanding of prescription practice, specifically in cases of pain and inflammation; information search strategies and pedagogical suggestions. For data collection, the form was sent to students' e-mails in the first and second quarters of 2024. Pearson's Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test (p<0.05) were used for statistical analysis. Results: 69% of students responded to the electronic form with an average age of 252.65 years; 59% were female. Evaluating the course workload, perceptions varied between "I totally agree or agree, neutral, I totally disagree or disagree", with no significant association between gender (p=0.544) or age (p=0.137) and this perception. Regarding prescription support, 62% agreed that the training offered was sufficient, also with no significant association between this perception and gender (p=0.337) or age (p=0.314). Self-perceived knowledge of clinical pharmacology showed a significant association with age (p=0.014), but no association with gender (p=0.317). Regarding prescription by dentists, 76% acknowledged that this should be restricted to medications applicable to dentistry. The main difficulties reported in prescribing were: defining the dose (69%), pharmaceutical form (14%) and interval between doses (17%). Uncertainty when prescribing medications for pain and inflammation was reported by 72%, with a significant difference between genders (p=0.044), but not between age groups (p=0.635). Regarding prescription for patients with comorbidities, 55% reported feeling confident, with no significant association with gender or age. Faced with diagnostic difficulties, 66% stated that they used the UFC bibliographic collection, while 34% stated that they discussed the case with colleagues. There was no significant association between these strategies and the variables gender or age. As the main source of information for prescribing, 55% mentioned the internet, and 41% mentioned books and scientific articles, with no association with gender (p=0.716) or age (p=0.187). Discussion of clinical cases was indicated as a relevant strategy for consolidating knowledge by 96% of students. In addition, 100% of students stated that a therapeutic guide in e-book format would be useful to guide prescribing. Conclusion: The data point to the need for training strategies that strengthen prescribing in the management of pain and inflammation, highlighting the potential of resources such as the development of an e-book.