Phytotherapy in primary care: study with nurse professionals

Abstract

Objective: Investigating the understanding of nurses about Phytotherapy and checking the strategies needed for consolidating this practice in Primary Care. Methods: This is an exploratory research, with qualitative approach, conducted with 10 nurses in Family Health units of the District IV, in the city of João Pessoa, Paraíba. Data were collected in interviews recorded during the month of April 2015 and qualitatively processed through the content analysis technique. Results: The categories emerged from the analysis were: Phytotherapy in Primary Care: understanding of nurses; and Strategies needed for consolidating Phytotherapy in Primary Care. These categories have proved the lack of understanding of nurses about Phytotherapy and its policies, as well as strategies needed for consolidating this in Primary Care. Conclusion: Accordingly, it is hoped that this study will enable new reflections and broader investigation about the use of Phytotherapy in the context of Primary Care.