THE ROLE OF THE PHARMACIST IN PROMOTING THE RATIONAL USE OF MEDICINES IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE

Abstract

Introduction: The rational use of medicines is an important component of the quality and safety of healthcare, particularly in Primary Health Care (PHC), where most patients receive healthcare monitoring and pharmacological therapies. In this context, the pharmacist's role has the potential to improve pharmacotherapy and contribute to the prevention of medication-related problems. Objective: To analyze the scientific evidence regarding the pharmacist's role in promoting the rational use of medicines in Primary Health Care. Method: An integrative literature review with a descriptive approach was conducted based on the PICO strategy. Searches were performed in the PubMed, Virtual Health Library (VHL), and ScienceDirect databases using descriptors and keywords related to pharmacists, Primary Health Care, and the rational use of medicines, combined with the Boolean operators AND and OR. Articles published between 2016 and 2026 in Portuguese, English, or Spanish, with full text and directly related to the topic, were considered. At the end of the selection process, nine studies were included in the review. Results: The studies demonstrated that pharmaceutical practice contributed to the rational use of medicines through patient counseling, pharmacotherapeutic follow-up, medication review, identification of medication-related problems, improved treatment adherence, patient safety, and qualification of pharmaceutical care. However, limitations related to administrative workload, insufficient integration with multidisciplinary teams, and the need for professional training in clinical activities were identified. Conclusion: The pharmacist played an important role in promoting the rational use of medicines in PHC. Therefore, expanding pharmacists' involvement in patient care, strengthening continuing education, and promoting multidisciplinary integration are essential for improving the quality and safety of pharmacotherapy.