Mental health in primary care at a up-country of São Paulo state: the action research as a strategy for strengthening the network of care services to psychic suffering

Abstract

This is qualitative research using the action research associated to an intervention strategy, relying on the ability to interfere with reality studied, modifying it. Meetings were held with the staff of the health care network which discussed aspects of mental health policy and the everyday practice of professionals in Primary Care  in mental health. Main fi ndings from the discussions: lack of collective responsibility at work; diffi culty in incorporating different knowledge to health practices; disorganization in the work process that refers to the disarticulation with other services; there is an effort to include other types of care for patients with psychological distress who seeks Primary Care, however the use of psychotropic drugs persists nearly as hegemonic mental health treatment. In addition to the signifi cant care changes in mental health achieved, the essential is that the team realized their ability to refl ect on their role in Primary Care, mainly to make and generate changes in their practices.