Assessment of the physical and human resource structure of a psychiatric emergency service

Abstract

Objective: identify the perception of professional, users and family members about the structure of the psychiatric emergency service in a general hospital. Method: study through Fourth-Generation Evaluation, involving 30 respondents (15 professionals, nine users and six family members). The data were collected through documentary analysis, semistructured interview, non-participant observation and participant observation. Results: the data analysis and discussion were executed using the Constant Comparative Method, articulated with the National Humanization Policy and the National Mental Health Policy. The following needs were verified: adaptation of the physical structure for psychiatric emergency care to children; more human resources; better use of protocols; and reduction of children’s hospitalizations for long periods. Conclusion: the relation between child care in an inappropriate location and the insufficient number of employees serves as a factor that makes it difficult to put the care practice recommended by the National Mental Health Policy in practice.