Acupuntura nos Serviços Públicos e Privados: Visão dos Estudantes da Graduação de Medicina

Abstract

The inclusion of acupuncture as one of the practices within the National Policy on Integrative and Complementary Practices (PNPIC) of the Unified Health System (SUS) allows for reflection on the presence of this specialty in public and private healthcare institutions. In this regard, the question arises: how is the integration of Integrative and Complementary Practices (PICs), especially acupuncture, in public and private services, from the perspective of medical graduation students?  To analyze the integration and access to acupuncture in public and private health services in the Brazilian context from the perspective of medical graduation students. The research is qualitative in nature, using semi-structured interviews as the data collection instrument.  Medical students from the 5th and 6th years of three public institutions in the Southeast of Brazil were the participants. Content analysis, thematic modality, was employed. It is noted that this research was approved by the Committee of Ethics in Research involving Human Subjects (CEP) of the researchers’ institution. The data reveal a lack of consolidated knowledge regarding the availability of this practice within the SUS (Unified Health System); furthermore, students report that even when the specialty exists in the service, access is precarious. Regarding the private sector, this lack of contact is also highlighted, although students are aware that this service is offered, characterized by being more available compared to SUS. However, interviewees identify obstacles to access acupuncture within the Supplementary Health System. Qualitative research enabled a more in-depth analysis of the topic, and given the weaknesses presented in the results, a greater approach to this specialty is expected in both scenarios, including the academic context, recognizing it as a form of treatment with positive outcomes for users.