Integrative and Complementary Practices in Primary Health Care: Potentialities and intersections

Abstract

This is a qualitative study based on Institutional Analysis, in the Socioanalysis perspective, with the objective of understanding the potentialities and intersections of implementing integrative practices in primary health care. For this purpose, interviews were conducted with 12 health professionals from the city of Serra-ES. The increase in self-care actions; welcoming listening and strengthening of ties with the community were pointed out as potentialities of implementing Integrative and Complementary Practices in Health. On the other hand, the biomedical model; deficit in continuing education; lack of physical space and supplies were cited by professionals as obstacles to the implementation of integrative and complementary practices in primary health care. The integration of Integrative and Complementary Practices in Primary Health Care promotes reflection on the need for collective health that values holistic approaches and respects the diversity of knowledge and practices, aligning with the principles of the Unified Health System. The study brought as considerations the demands for intensifying investments in continuing education; financing; infrastructure and reconstruction of a paradigm beyond the hegemonic biomedical model, which is guided by the World Health Organization and which bases health on social determinants.