Organization and practices of pharmaceutical services in oncology within the Brazilian National Health System

This study, based on the Giddens’ Structuration Theory, aimed to analyze organization and pharmaceutical services practices for oncology care in five brazilian municipalities by a multiple-case study design, having breast cancer as a marker condition. Oncology care-certified facilities were established as analysis sub-units. In-depth interviews were conducted with ten managers and fifteen health professionals. Research strategy also involved document analysis and direct observation of practices. Results were analyzed according to four main themes: organizational structure, financing, technologies and work process. We found little interaction of pharmaceutical services with levels of care, structural problems within facilities, insufficient funding, belated technology assessment and technology adoption, and shortfalls in work processes. These aspects contribute to precarious functioning of the cancer-care system.