Training of Community Health Workers on the Rational Use of Medicines: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Rational Use of Medicines (RUM) has been a guideline of the National Medicines Policy since 1999. Community Health Workers (CHWs) are recognized as essential links between the Family Health Strategy (FHS) and the community, with the potential to promote the appropriate use of medicines. This article aims to identify evidence that may contribute to the training and ongoing education of CHWs for the promotion of RUM practices in the communities they serve, by mapping gaps, opportunities for improvement in training, and teaching-learning methodologies used. This is a descriptive scoping review. The study selection process followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology, and the results were presented in a flowchart according to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Data extraction was carried out after a thorough reading of the studies included in the review, in order to characterize their profiles and answer the guiding research question. Thirteen studies were included, addressing the training of CHWs in relation to RUM, with methodological diversity and a predominance of quantitative descriptive cross-sectional studies. The findings highlighted the need for continuous training and structured continuing education programs, with the potential to improve patient safety. The scoping review emphasizes a gap in the literature regarding the training of CHWs for the promotion of the rational use of medicines, despite their crucial role in the FHS. The identification of gaps and opportunities can support the development of more effective strategies for training these professionals.

Keywords: Community Health Workers; Drug Use; Training; Literature Review; PRISMA.