Participação do farmacêutico nos processos de aquisição, distribuição e utilização dos gases medicinais.

Abstract

Introduction: Pharmaceutical care (PC) encompasses actions that ensure the rational use of medicines, including medicinal gases. These gases are widely used in hospital units, requiring therapy monitoring and inventory management. Thus, studies on the application of current regulations and the pharmacist's role in technical-managerial and clinical actions involving gases are crucial for achieving concrete results and improving care quality. Objective: To analyze the pharmacist's involvement in activities related to medicinal gases in state network hospitals. Methodology: This descriptive study was conducted based on data from the State Department of Public Health, obtained in 2024, regarding gas management. The data were analyzed descriptively, without the need for approval from the ethics committee, as public domain documents were used, and the LGPD (General Data Protection Law) was respected. Results: Eight hospitals were analyzed, and the variables were divided into the characterization of the units (Size; Clinical activities performed; Pharmacist involvement in gas-related actions; and Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee - CTC). Additionally, the gases used in hospital units, the method of oxygen procurement, the professionals involved in contractual oversight, and the inclusion of gases in medical prescriptions were observed. Discussion: Although most units are medium-sized and offer at least one clinical pharmacy service, the standardization of gases is scarce, as only two hospitals have a CTC and none include these medications. Furthermore, no pharmacist is actively involved in the gas cycle, compromising the rational use of medicines and patient safety. Conclusion: The involvement of the medication professional is still insufficient, directly reflecting the procedural gaps in the use of these products. Therefore, the importance of the pharmacist in the entire logistics and clinical cycle of medicinal gases is evident. In light of this, it is essential for public policies and institutional practices to focus on the competent technical integration of these processes, ensuring safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness.