A medicação que apazigua e a família que cuida: representações sociais de profissionais sobre usuários com esquizofrenia

Abstract

This paper presents an investigation aimed at understanding the social representations of Psychosocial Support Network (RAPS) professionals in relation to users with schizophrenia. RAPS is a set of services created within the Unified Health System (SUS) to take care of people with mental health problems. It was created in 2011 and represents an important strategy for reorienting the care model in the field of mental health. The professionals working there admit and care for patients with mild to severe mental disorders. The care of people with schizophrenia and other disorders is based on historically evolved ideas that give meaning to the relationships that exist in the area. This is a field research conducted at RAPS in four (04) municipalities in the northern region of the state of Minas Gerais/Brazil. Nurses, doctors and psychologists were interviewed. The study was based on a quantitative-qualitative approach guided by the theoretical-methodological framework "Social Representations from the Structural Approach". The data was collected in three steps: Application of a socio-demographic and occupational questionnaire, application of the Free Word Recall Technique (TALP) and semi-structured interview. The data generated by TALP were analyzed using the software Ensemble de Programs Permettant l’Analyze des Evocations (EVOC®) version 2005 using Pierre Vergés’ four-house framework according to the structural approach. The information obtained through the open question in depthwas analyzed using Laurence Bardin's content analysis technique. According to the result obtained from the 251 evocations contributed by the 50 professionals interviewed, the expressions that possibly form the structure of the representations presented in the central core were: Agitation, hallucination and medication as words indicating an emphasis on drug treatment. However, the expression 'care' still appears in the central core, which, together with other elements in the other quadrants, shows a search for comprehensive care for schizophrenia sufferers in the area in question. In this sense, the content analysis made possible by the open question culminated in two main categories. One, bringing about medication as an ally in expanded care, described by the subcategories: medication as a way to appease the patient with schizophrenia and expanded care in mental health. And the other category, discussing the family as a center of care.The involvement of the family in the care of patients with schizophrenia is described using two subcategories: the family as a support in the stabilization of the patient and the exhaustion and illness of the family in the care process. The association of the field research results with the literature review shows the need to strengthen the support offered in RAPS through arrangements that contribute to its development, including the continuous training of its staff.