Assessment of mental health services in Brazil: an integrative literature review

Abstract

In Brazil, the current National Mental Health Policy, in effect since 2001, aims at caring for patients with mental disorders prioritizing and stimulating the creation of a network of mental health care that, combined with primary health care, replaces the hospital. In this context, the need for an evaluation process is essential to change traditional mental health care models and implement control measures and participation of civil society to ensure the quality of care and to achieve the goals of the Brazilian Psychiatric Reform. The present study aims at identifying the different evaluation objects of the Brazilian mental health service, through an integrative literature review of Brazilian publications in the Virtual Health Library. The results showed the high number of studies carried out between 2008 and 2009 prevalently in the southern and southeast regions. Most reviewed articles focused on the work and care processes in mental health services. The evaluations highlighted issues regarding the inadequacy of the facilities, the great demand, and the lack of human, material and financial resources, as well as the need for education and training of specialists in the area. The study concluded that the institutionalization of the evaluation is emerging and that investment in the evaluation processes of mental health care is scarce.