Perceptions of primary care professionals about responsibility for comprehensive health care for people with mental disorders

Abstract

The Brazilian Psychiatric Reform enabled the reintegration of people with mental disorders into society. This led to the need to implement other ways of looking at and supporting this population, encouraging the construction of care in freedom. Thus, the aim was to identify the perceptions of primary health care professionals regarding responsibility for comprehensive care for people with mental disorders and/or mental distress. This is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach, conducted with seven professionals from a Family Health Team in the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil. Data were collected through individual interviews and analyzed using content analysis. It was evident that there is a movement towards taking responsibility on the part of the interviewed professionals, through the construction of mental health care and monitoring. Aspects influencing this movement include: listening; building rapport; stigma as a modifier of perception; and referrals to other services. Nursing demonstrated a fundamental role in taking responsibility in primary care, where the nurse professional is seen as a reference in providing care and training the team.