FLOWCHART FOR SUPPORTING THE CARE OF PEOPLE WITH MENTAL DISORDERS IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE.
fluxograma. transtornos mentais; atenção primária à saúde; rede de atenção psicossocial; coordenação do cuidado.
Introduction: Rising social inequalities, unemployment, poverty, and their consequences for psychological distress have highlighted the population's need for mental health services and the difficulties they face in meeting these demands. Furthermore, the disorganization of entry and exit points and defined and recognized referral flows contribute to the fragility of decentralization processes and the connection between the points of the psychosocial care network, which has primary care as the care organizer. Despite this, it is clear that the organization of care flows in primary care is still under construction and faces obstacles related to both the team's work process and the structural issues of the health network. Objectives: To develop a flowchart to support the care of individuals with mental disorders in primary care in a municipality in northeastern Brazil. Method: This is a methodological study, which will be developed in two stages: a scoping review and the development of a flowchart. The research will be conducted at the III Regional Public Health Unit of Rio Grande do Norte, the institution responsible for technical support and supervision of health actions in 26 municipalities in the region. Expected Results: The final version of the flowchart is expected to be available, which can be implemented in Primary Health Care services. This flowchart will facilitate care coordination between different points of care, standardize care flows, reduce gaps and rework, and support managers and professionals in decision-making and organizing work processes. It is also expected to contribute to expanding access, reducing barriers to care, and improving the quality of care provided to people with mental disorders.