Papel do farmacêutico e da farmácia comunitária na Atenção à Saúde: percepção de estudantes universitários

Thousands of community pharmacies in Brazil provide daily access to medicines. This study aims to identify the perception of undergraduate pharmacy students about the contribution of the pharmacist in the community pharmacy to the improvement of health care. The data for this research were obtained through the students’ comments in an online discussion forum. To analyze qualitative data, the thematic content analysis technique was used. Students often stated that the pharmacy provides easy access to medicines and to a qualified health professional; the pharmacist’s presence contributes to the recognition of the pharmacy as a health establishment. The pharmacy role transcends dispensing and the clerk does not replace the pharmacist. The results show a valorization of the pharmaceutical care quality promotion.