Ribeiro MCF, Gomes ACR, Souza JP. Implementation of integrative and complementary practices in primary health care services: perceptions, opportunities and challenges. Interface (Botucatu). 2026; 30(Supl. 1): e250116 Doi: https://doi.org/10.1590/interface.250116
Abstracts
This study investigated the implementation of integrative and complementary practices (ICPs) in primary health care (PHC) services in a municipality in Brazil, analyzing the perceptions of managers and health professionals. The findings reveal significant barriers, including insufficient training, lack of infrastructure, absence of clear protocols and centralization of ICPs in physicians, hindering adoption. Despite growing interest among the population and professionals, the institutionalization of ICPs remains limited. The study highlights the need for structured public policies, including continuous training, specific regulations and improved integration of ICPs into health services. The findings contribute to the debate on the expansion of these practices in PHC, in line with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, reinforcing the importance of a more humanized and integrative care model.
Keywords
Integrative medicine; Complementary therapies; Primary care; National policy on integrative and complementary practices
Access in: https://doi.org/10.1590/interface.250116
