Do Rio de Janeiro a João Pessoa: breve jornada de aprendizado e reflexões sobre as práticas integrativas e complementares durante a residência de medicina de família e comunidade

Abstract

The National Policy on Integrative and Complementary Practices (PNPIC) was created through Ordinance No. 971/2006 in response to the growing demand for therapeutic modalities derived from Traditional Medicine and Alternative and Complementary Medicine within Brazil's public health services. These practices are now more commonly found in Primary Health Care. In João Pessoa, the capital of Paraíba, their implementation began in 2007, and in January 2008, Municipal Law No. 1655 was enacted, officially recognizing these practices within the municipal health network. As in other cities in Brazil, there are both strengths and challenges related to the services that provide these practices. This study aims to report the experience of a Family and Community Medicine resident who participated in an elective internship in Integrative and Complementary Practices (PICS) services in João Pessoa. For 4 weeks, the resident was placed in secondary and primary health care units, where practices such as acupuncture, auriculotherapy and cupping therapy were implemented. It also included PICS Centers where both individual and group care was provided. Despite the difficulties, even in a community setting, through these practices, health professionals are able to help with physical and emotional problems, not only through material and technological resources. When we consider Family and Community Medicine, the care provided includes beyond treating illness, unique communication skills and continuity of care for the person, their family and social environment. Therefore, the implementation of PICS is of great value in patient care.