Occupational therapists’ performance in the Psychosocial Care Network in a brazilian northeast state

Abstract

Mental health care in Brazil has been changing throughout history, establishing new practices, forming the Psychosocial Care Network, affirming the protagonism of users in the production of care, their social rights and their citizenship. Among the professionals involved in these changes are occupational therapists. This qualitative research aimed to understand the performance of these professionals in this Psychosocial Care Network in the Paraíba state, Brazil. Thirteen occupational therapists were interviewed using a semistructured questionnaire, applied remotely. These professionals are mostly women, with professional experience and interest in working in Mental Health, as well as work in Psychosocial Care Centers I. A low number of professionals in state services was evidenced, being only 17 in a Network of 124 services. As for the actions developed, they listed: individualized care, reception/screening, groups, Unique Therapeutic Projects, participation in team meetings, crisis management and workshops. The precariousness of working conditions was perceived, in particular, by the lack of resources to carry out the interventions. Only occasionally they feel supported by the representative entities (class council, union, and state professional association). The service coordinators understand the professional performance, but it is the users who value it the most, followed by family members, teams, and service coordinators. This appreciation and recognition by the main agents involved in the production of community life demonstrates that occupational therapists are an integral and active part in this process of reception, coexistence and inclusion of vulnerable and fragile people facing their condition of mental suffering.