Implementação das canetas reutilizáveis de insulina no SUS e estratégias de educação em saúde com apoio das redes sociais: relato de experiência

Abstract

Introduction: The introduction of reusable insulin pens into the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) in 2025 represents an advance in the management of pharmaceutical care, offering greater safety, precision, and adherence in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. In addition to inperson guidance, social media and Community Health Workers (CHWs) have become strategic allies in expanding the reach of information and reinforcing good practices for device use. The use of audiovisual resources, such as instructional videos, facilitates understanding and adherence, especially among populations with low educational attainment or limited access to health facilities. Objective: To report the experience of a Municipal Pharmacy in implementing reusable insulin pens and in the coordinated use of social media and CHWs for health education, aiming to improve treatment adherence and safety in device use. Methods: An experience report conducted in a Municipal Pharmacy following the implementation of dispensing reusable NPH and Regular insulin pens to patients registered with the SUS. Guidance was provided in person at the pharmacy, with patients signing a commitment form. To expand the reach of the information, an educational video was produced and disseminated through institutional social media, addressing storage, assembly, and hygiene of the pen, presentation of the refill cartridge, and proper disposal. CHWs received training on the new protocol and began sharing the video and reinforcing the guidance during home visits and in community groups on instant messaging applications. Results: Registered patients received inperson guidance and accessed the audiovisual material. The video reached more than 4,119 views within 25 days. CHWs reported that addressing the topic during visits was easier, using the video as visual support and recommending the digital content to families of patients using insulin. Patients reported greater safety, practicality, and autonomy when using the pen. They also reported ease of handling and highlighted the reduction in waste resulting from the use of reusable devices. The active participation of CHWs was decisive for the success of the strategy, especially among elderly patients or those living in more remote areas. Discussion and Final Considerations: This report demonstrates that the use of educational videos combined with the work of CHWs enhances the dissemination of health information, improves pharmaceutical care, and strengthens treatment adherence. When properly used, social media contributes to democratizing access to information, reaching patients and family members outside the institutional environment. The integration of digital education and communitybased actions proved to be an effective and replicable strategy for other pharmaceutical care demands.