Harm reduction: trends being disputed in health policies

Harm reduction in the context of psychoactive substances: nursing discourses in primary health care

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the production of meanings on interventions considered as Harm Reduction in the discourses of nursing professionals working in Primary Health Care.

METHOD

Qualitative study based on the theoretical-methodological framework of French Discourse Analysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 nursing professionals working in Primary Health Care, from February to October 2019.

RESULTS

Most Harm Reduction practices performed by nursing professionals aim to minimize risks and physical damage. Harm Reduction actions that require welcoming, non-judgment and qualified listening were observed. Some nursing professionals perform Harm Reduction actions, but do not recognize them as such.

CONCLUSION

The production of meanings in the discourses of nursing professionals presented evidence of biomedical and/or disease discursive formations, health prevention, interpersonal relationships and health promotion.

Harm reduction conceptions: speeches of Primary Health Care nursing professionals

OBJECTIVE

to analyze the discursive memories about the harm reduction strategy, which permeate the knowledge of Primary Health Care nursing professionals.

METHOD

a qualitative and exploratory study based on the French Discourse Analysis theoretical-methodological framework. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 14 Primary Health Care nursing professionals.

RESULTS

analysis indicated a predominance of discursive memories related to the biomedical model of health conception as well as religious and moral approaches regarding psychoactive substance use. The perspective of an "expanded clinic" was discreet, highlighting the link and prevention of risks and harms from psychoactive substance use that affect the physiological dimension.

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

the impact of this study emphasizes the need for permanent education proposals on harm reduction concepts in training and qualifying nursing professionals.