Medication autonomy in children and adolescents: a study in a psychosocial care center for children and adolescents

Abstract

Medications are present in the patients' treatments in mental health and, with that, it is necessary to develop medication autonomy in these patients. To ease this task, pharmaceutical care contributes many benefits to the patients. This article is an action-research study following a qualitative and quantitative model, classified as descriptive and exploratory according to the objective, with its sample selected for convenience. The objective of this study was to identify children's and adolescents' autonomy and knowledge in relation to the medications they use. It can be seen that some users are able to use medications independently and that others need the help of those responsible. We conclude that autonomy is extremely important for the development and future of children and adolescents.