The challenges of network organization in specialized psychosocial care: the case of Recife

ABSTRACT

The objective was to analyze the specialized mental health care in the city of Recife and its assistance regulation process. It is a qualitative study, carried out through document analysis, observation, semi-structured interviews and field diary. The research subjects were managers and professionals from the Psychosocial Care Network and health regulation in Recife. Thematic content analysis was performed, based on the condensation of meanings technique. Despite the history of alignment with the Brazilian Psychiatric Reform and the advances in deinstitutionalization processes, the coverage of the Psychosocial Care Centers/type III is insufficient and there are weaknesses in communication between the components of the network. In addition, mental health clinics are complementary to the asylum model. Assistance regulation is incipient in mental health and centered on the flow of scheduling specialized consultations, without devices for conversation between professionals. Therefore, mental health care, with logistical support for assistance regulation, is a challenge for municipal management. Finally, it is emphasized that the weaknesses in the organization of the network in the city of Recife may, still, be aggravated by the anti-reform agenda that has been instituting changes in the National Mental Health Policy in Brazil.

KEYWORDS:
Health care coordination and monitoring; Mental health; Mental health services; Delivery of health care; Community mental health services