Abstract
Introduction: The Pharmacotherapeutic Followup Service (PFS) is based on the theoretical framework of Pharmaceutical Care (PC), in which professionals optimize patients' pharmacotherapy. The Subjective Experience of Medication Use (SEMU) aligns with the philosophy of PC, enabling an understanding of patients' experiences, meanings, and behaviors regarding pharmacotherapy. Objective: To investigate how the PFS influences the SEMU of people with hypertension. Methods: This ongoing qualitative study included participants receiving PFS for hypertension in the municipality of Alegre, Espírito Santo, Brazil, selected through theoretical sampling. Sociodemographic and health data were collected, and indepth interviews were conducted to investigate how the PFS influences SEMU. Data analysis involved initial, focused, and theoretical coding, as well as memo writing. Ethical aspects were observed (CAAE 77633924.2.0000.8151 | Approval 6.800.688). Results and Conclusion: Interviews were conducted with four women (66.0±8.8 years old, 3.5±1.3 years of education, income up to one minimum wage, health conditions including hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia, anxiety, depression, osteoarthritis, dyslipidemia, and diabetes). Preliminary analyses highlighted three themes: T1–access to health information, described as a source of safety and autonomy through information about medication effects, risks, and use; T2–professional support, fostering trust and accessibility to guidance; and T3–reframing medication use, with reports of recognizing the importance of medications for maintaining health, achieving life goals, and integrating them into daily routines. The literature describes six attributes of SEMU: A1–vulnerability, A2–ambivalence, A3–socially constructed, A4–contextual and nuanced, A5–pragmatic, and A6–an ongoing active process. Lack of information generates concerns and uncertainties, leaving patients in situations of vulnerability and ambivalence (A1, A2), which may be alleviated by the PFS (T1). The meanings attributed to medications are socially constructed (A3). Support provided through the PFS (T2) may enhance SEMU by aligning the meanings attributed by healthcare professionals and patients. SEMU is pragmatic, linked to everyday life and the priority of feeling well (A5), and is strengthened when the PFS helps patients reframe medication use and integrate it into their life priorities (T3). A welcoming attitude (T2) makes the pharmacist a practical reference for patients seeking information from accessible sources (A5). SEMU is influenced by the context (A4) in which patients live, including access to healthcare services, information, and healthcare professionals' attitudes (T1, T2, T3). Adapting to medication use requires continuous effort (A6). By providing support (T2), clear information (T1), and helping patients reframe medication use (T3), the PFS may make this process less burdensome. Conclusion: Preliminary findings indicate that the PFS, by providing personcentered Pharmaceutical Care, may contribute to a better Subjective Experience of Medication Use.
