Characterization of pharmaceutical services in the prison system: cross-sectional study

Abstract

This study aimed to characterize pharmaceutical services (PS) in the prison system of Rio Grande do Sul in terms of organization and infrastructure in the context of primary health care. This is a descriptive study, with a cross-sectional design carried out between August and September 2022. Data collection was carried out remotely, using a questionnaire prepared and adapted based on the Pesquisa Nacional sobre Acesso, Utilização e Promoção do Uso Racional de Medicamentos no Brasil (PNAUM – Brazilian National Survey on Access, Use and Promotion of Rational Use of Medications in Brazil). A total of 51 prison units participated in the survey. There is no specific area for the pharmacy in most prison units, with only one place for storing medications. There are no standard operating procedures for PS activities in 78.4% of prison units. In 9.8% of prison units, the presence of a pharmacist was mentioned. No medication storage conditions are monitored in 31.4% of sites. Medication fractionation was reported by 78.4% of prison units. Medications are dispensed in 3.9% of prison units. The PS overview in the prison context reveals important weaknesses and the need to adapt to current regulations.