Health secretaries and aspects related to the management of Integrative and Complementary Practices

Abstract

This research aimed to understand health secretaries’ perception of the concept of health, describe the experiences of these secretaries before challenges related to the management of Integrative and Complementary Health Practices (PICS), and identify if the Regional Interagency Committee (CIR) has discussed these practices. This is a qualitative and exploratory study conducted with 22 health secretaries in municipalities of Bahia from May to November 2018. The interviews were collected with a semi-structured script and recorded, transcribed, and analyzed by thematic content analysis. According to the health secretaries, some of the obstacles to PICS supply in the Brazilian National Health System (SUS) services are the lack of material resources, trained professionals, and a physical structure. All secretaries affirmed that PICS were not discussed at CIR meetings. The participation of the population, health teams, and managers in the committees is essential to hold discussions and strengthen the PICS as a powerful resource for comprehensive health care.