Care actions for the relatives of users of psychoactive substances: The perspectives of professionals and families

Abstract

Objective: to understand the care actions developed for the relatives of users of psychoactive substances from the perspective of professionals and family members. Method: based on the Social Phenomenology approach of Alfred Schütz’s. The research was performed in a Psychosocial Alcohol and Drug Attention Center of a municipality in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Phenomenological interviews were conducted with 13 professionals and 12 family members of users of psychoactive substances, from July to November, 2016. The steps suggested by Social Phenomenology researchers were used for data analysis. Results: three categories were revealed: care actions for family members from the perspective of professionals; care actions identified by family members, and reciprocity of perspectives in relation to care actions for family members. The professionals reported care actions developed in the service for the family: listening, reception, individual care, guidance, referrals, family groups and home visits; and care actions identified by family members: family group, care, reception, resolution, psychological support and guidance. The reciprocity of perspectives in relation to care actions for family members, from the perspective of the professionals and family members was: a group of family members, reception and guidance. Conclusion: the findings provide support to professionals to review their health care actions, based on the expectations of care mentioned by family members as well the contribution to comprehensive and resolute mental health care, especially in out-of-hospital care.