Barros NF, Liparini F, Carnevale RC, Palandi E, Siegel P. The role of the National Policy on Integrative and Complementary Practices in the Brazilian National Health System (SUS): Primary Care manager perceptions and agency. Interface (Botucatu). 2026; 30 (Supl 1): e250839 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/interface.250839
Abstract
The National Policy on Integrative and Complementary Practices (NPICP) organizes these practices within Brazilian National Health System (SUS). The aim of this study was to analyze the emergence of a new NPICP role drawing on the perceptions of primary health care center (UBS) managers regarding local and municipal strategies to implement integrative and complementary health practices (ICHPs). We conducted a multicenter qualitative study based on 186 semi-structured interviews with managers from four metropolitan regions, which were analyzed thematically drawing on cultural studies. The findings showed that managers play a leading role in mobilizing professionals, engaging teams and disseminating ICHPs, acting “by themselves and at their own risk” due to the discontinuity of municipal actions. ICHP training strengthened managers’ engagement in implementing these practices. We conclude that the NPICP has taken on a new role, supported by situated actions undertaken by managers in everyday practice in primary care services.
Keywords
Health centers; Health managers; Complementary therapies; Qualitative research; Sociology
Access in: https://doi.org/10.1590/interface.250839
