Caring for the Future: The Role of Continuous Education in Pediatric Pharmaceutical Care
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5327.prmj.441Keywords:
Continuous Education; Pharmaceutical Care; Child Health; Patient Safety; Rational Use of Medicines.Abstract
Introduction: Ensuring children's health goes far beyond medical consultations and routine exams. Pharmaceutical care plays a crucial role in pediatric healthcare, helping to promote the safe and correct use of medications while also contributing to treatment adherence. Since children's bodies differ from those of adults, it is essential for pharmaceutical professionals to stay up to date to prevent dosage errors, drug interactions, and adverse reactions. However, challenges such as the lack of appropriate pediatric formulations, caregivers' resistance to following treatments correctly, and the need for closer and more personalized care make continuous education indispensable for improving this assistance. Investing in the ongoing training of pharmacists means ensuring greater safety and quality of life for young patients.Objective: This study aims to understand how continuous education impacts pharmaceutical care in childhood, exploring its influence on medication safety, the prevention of adverse effects, and treatment adherence. Material and Methods: For this purpose, we conducted a qualitative, exploratory-descriptive study with pharmacists who work directly in children's healthcare in Belém, Pará. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, as well as an analysis of institutional documents and professional training records. The content analysis methodology helped to understand these professionals' perceptions regarding the importance of continuous education, daily challenges, and suggestions for further improving pharmaceutical practices focused on children. Results and Conclusion: The professionals' reports showed that continuous education has a direct positive impact on pediatric pharmaceutical care. With regular training, pharmacists are better able to guide parents and caregivers, identify potential risks in medication use, and act more precisely in managing treatments. Additionally, ongoing training strengthens communication with other healthcare professionals, ensuring more integrated and effective care. However, challenges remain, such as workload overload, a lack of institutional policies focused on professional development, and difficulties in accessing specialized training. Given this, we conclude that investing in the qualification of professionals working in pediatric pharmaceutical care is essential to providing safer, more efficient, and more humanized care for children and their families.
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