THE PSYCHOSOCIAL CARE NETWORK (RAPS) OF SANTA ROSA – RS: REFLECTIONS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS

Abstract

The concept of mental health has expanded a lot in recent decades, as well as public policies aimed at the care of patients with mental disorders. Legislation, regulations and services have developed and strengthened the care for people with mental suffering at the global, national and local levels. In 2011, based on a national ordinance, the RAPS – Psychosocial Care Network for people with suffering or mental disorders and with needs resulting from the use of crack, alcohol and other drugs, was established within the scope of the Unified Health System (SUS). In this context, a research was carried out with the main objective of understanding the process of structuring the Psychosocial Care Network (RAPS) of Santa Rosa/RS, through a case study, with the use of different data sources, such as document analysis, observation and reports of professional experience. Through a qualitative approach, the information obtained was worked in order to characterize the processes and the actors involved, reflecting and building inferences. It was identified that the Network implemented in Santa Rosa meant the expansion of services; improved intersectoral integration centered on the needs of users; and signals a significant improvement in the quality of mental health care. It is understood that it is still necessary to strengthen the structuring of the network; expand the process of integration of intersectoral policies; and to guarantee access to and quality of mental health care for all citizens. It is a journey that demands permanent care and constant actions from the public authorities and the population to guarantee rights and make citizenship effective.