Challenges of matrix support as educational practice: Mental health in primary healthcare

Abstract

This study investigated the educational dimension of matrix support practices for mental health within primary care. Using an interpretative-explanatory qualitative approach, professionals involved in matrix support for mental health in a municipality in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, were interviewed. The data were compared with matrix support frameworks with two pedagogical trends: directive and constructivist. The analysis on this content was incorporated with the interviews and two themes could be identified: “matrix supporter’s profile”, and “challenges for construction of matrix supporter’s practice.” The subjects’ perceptions regarding supporters’ competence profiles were coherent with matrix support assumptions, whereas their educational practices related mainly to the directive trend. The challenge of implementing constructivist practice was only partially recognized, since this requires a critical and transformative stance regarding the hegemonic educational practices within healthcare.