Sistema Regional de Información
en línea para Revistas Científicas de América Latina,
el Caribe, España y Portugal

Introduction: Palliative care is a multidisciplinary support practice applicable at all levels of healthcare, effective in improving the quality of life for patients and families facing life-threatening conditions. The dissemination of knowledge about care for terminal patients can broaden understanding of the needs and challenges faced by this population, as well as support the development of more inclusive health policies. Objective: Therefore, this article aims to describe care for terminal patients, encompassing the dimensions of palliative care and symptom and pain management. Methods: This is a narrative literature review with a qualitative focus. The management of patients in palliative care includes spiritual support, the opportunity to resolve personal matters, having an active voice in the dying process, and minimizing physical and emotional suffering. Results: Pain and symptom control involves understanding that the patient’s experience is individual and influenced by various factors, such as gender, age, culture, and social support. Conclusions: Therefore, a multidisciplinary, integrative, continuous approach with communication skills and an individualized therapeutic plan is essential.

Introduction: Malnutrition is a condition that refers to deficiencies, excesses or imbalances in an individual’s energy and/or nutrient intake. Objective: The aim of this study was to track the main factors observed between malnutrition and the occurrence of heart disease in an indigenous population, particularly the Yanomami ethnic group. Methods: This is an integrative, descriptive literature review. A search was carried out in the main electronic databases: PubMed, LILACS and SciELO. For this, terms compatible with DeCS/MeSH were used through advanced search strategies with the help of Boolean operators. Results: In the search carried out, 48 scientific articles published in the period between 2014 and 2024 were identified. This review observed reports of severe acute malnutrition and indicated that children who survive severe malnutrition are still at risk of developing chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, even after recovery of immediate nutritional status, in addition to height-for-age deficit in 35.8% of children. Conclusion: It is important that public health efforts include measures to prevent and treat these conditions, considering the specific needs and cultural contexts of indigenous populations. Therefore, more studies are needed to analyze other risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases in these populations.

O estudo de Ornelas et al.1 é esclarecedor e relevante quanto à análise da ocorrência de acidentes com material biológico entre médicos da atenção primária em Minas Gerais, por um período de 10 anos. O estudo identificou 111 acidentes, com maior concentração nos anos de 2020 e 2021, destacando a influência da pandemia da COVID-19.

A revisão de Dias et al.1 discorre sobre a integração dos cuidados paliativos (CP) na prática do médico de família e comunidade (MFC). Tal integração é importante para que o acesso aos CP ocorra de maneira descentralizada e acessível a todos que necessitam deles.

O estudo de Costa et al.1 discute a associação entre os riscos de enfermidades cardiovasculares e as dislipidemias em pacientes idosos acompanhados por profissionais da atenção primária em saúde no município de Marau, no Rio Grande do Sul.1

Introduction: Primary Health Care, as the gateway to the Brazilian Unified Health System, plays a crucial role in health promotion and the rational use of medicines. Among the challenges faced at this level of care is the improper use and disposal of antimicrobials, a practice that jeopardizes both public health and the environment by promoting microbial  resistance  and contamination of bodies of water. The lack of standardized procedures and the limited training of health teams  aggravate  this scenario, especially in the outskirts and riverside  regions. Taking  this into  consideration, in  this study, we investigated the practices related to the use and disposal of antimicrobials in Health Centers in the districts and islands of the municipality of Belém (state of Pará, Brazil), considering the principles of the Brazilian Unified Health System and the guidelines of the National Solid Waste Policy. Objective: To investigate the improper use and disposal of antimicrobials in Primary Health Care, highlighting their environmental and public health implications. Methods: This is a descriptive and exploratory study, analyzing the perception of health professionals about the use and disposal  of antimicrobials in the Health Centers of the districts and islands of Belém, in 2024. Pharmacists or those in charge of the Health Centers answered structured questionnaires, assessing awareness and knowledge of appropriate disposal methods. Results: According to the data, there is a heterogeneous scenario regarding the management and disposal of pharmaceuticals in the health units investigated. We identified structural weaknesses in the disposal process and gaps in professionals’ awareness. There is no unified Standard Operating Procedure for all Health Centers. While 66.6% of the units follow guidelines established by the Municipal Department of Health, 7.4% adopt their own procedures, 11.1% have no formal regulations, 3.8% state there is a unified Standard Operating Procedure for the whole district, and 1% of those interviewed were unable to answer. In addition, guidance to users on proper disposal was insufficient, favoring inappropriate practices. Conclusions: We verified weaknesses in the disposal of antimicrobials related to the lack of standardization, insufficient training of professionals, and lack of knowledge among the population. Therefore, stricter regulations, the implementation of a unified Standard Operating Procedure, periodic training, and educational campaigns are essential to promote public and environmental health and the rational use of this drug class. All the data are described in the manuscript and are available upon request.  

Problem: With the increase in life expectancy and the elderly population, there is a need to pay special attention to their health, since, after the COVID-19 pandemic, the incidence of mental disorders and, consequently, the greater use of psychotropic drugs increased. Thus, the experience addressed these issues and how primary care deals with them, together with the intervention project planned by medical students to help the local population. Methods: This is a descriptive study, of the experience report type, experienced by second-year medical students together with a professor of Public Health, in a federal university with a Basic Health Unit (UBS) in the state of Goiás. Photos, observational records, interviews and collective meetings by discussion circle were used. Results: Using these instruments and previously collected data, the best way to bring together a portion of the community was organized and, together with doctors, nurses, psychologists, nutritionists and community agents, to address what mental health is, the inappropriate use of medications, especially psychotropic drugs, and the importance of a healthy diet and physical activity. In the case of the elderly population, it is also emphasized that it is crucial to seek a break from routine to combat boredom and depression, taking into account their own physical limitations. Furthermore, the benefits of carrying out recreational and community activities to help in the process of escaping the usual and monotonous routine are emphasized. Conclusion: Therefore, it was possible to organize a moment to discuss a stigmatized subject, something relevant to deepen the knowledge of those present on the subject while demonstrating to the students what is necessary to hold this type of community meeting, explaining the crucial role that primary care plays.

Problem: Population aging in Brazil is a growing phenomenon and faces challenges related to therapeutic adherence, especially in the context of Primary Health Care. According to data, 75.3% of older adults rely exclusively on the Brazilian Unified Health System, which makes it crucial to develop strategies and/or mechanisms to improve the communication between healthcare professionals and this age group. Our objective in this study was to develop a pictogram adapted to the needs of older adults, aiming at facilitating the understanding of medical prescriptions and, consequently, therapeutic adherence. Methods: Action research was adopted, based on experiences related    to weekly visits to a Health Center in the city of Mossoró, state of Rio Grande do Norte (Brazil). The research involved seven steps, from the definition of the topic to the final presentation of the educational material, considering the analysis of educational practices using visual resources such as pictograms. Results: The pictogram, with its clear images and simplified language, proved to be effective in improving the understanding of medical prescriptions by older adult patients, representing an important tool for improving the autonomy of these individuals. Conclusions: The creation of visual educational materials, such as the developed pictogram, is a promising solution for improving therapeutic adherence. In addition, its use can optimize communication during consultations, resulting in more effective and problem-solving care.

Neste 5 de agosto de 2025, Dia Nacional da Saúde, celebramos o nascimento de Oswaldo Cruz — médico, cientista e sanitarista cuja atuação transcende o enfrentamento de epidemias e inaugurou um modo de pensar a saúde pública no Brasil. Menos lembrada, mas igualmente fundamental, foi sua contribuição à ciência por meio da criação, em 1909, da revista *Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz*, periódico que permanece ativo até hoje e representa um marco da institucionalização da pesquisa científica em saúde no país. Ao estabelecer esse canal de divulgação do conhecimento produzido por sua equipe no então Instituto Soroterápico Federal, Oswaldo Cruz consolidou a prática de documentar, compartilhar e valorizar a ciência feita no Brasil. [...]

O Prof. Dr. Ricardo Donato Rodrigues foi um dos grandes nomes da Medicina de Família e Comunidade no Brasil. Sua trajetória acadêmica e institucional é marcada por pioneirismo, dedicação à atenção primária à saúde e compromisso com a formação médica humanizada. Este editorial presta homenagem à sua vida, obra e legado, que continuam a inspirar profissionais e estudantes em todo o país.