Health teaching on access to self-harm violence: a view from the viewpoint of health professionals at an emergency care unit
Self-Inflicted Violence; Mental Health; Emergency and Urgency; Health Education.
Self-harm refers to behaviors in which a person deliberately harms themselves, either physically or psychologically. Often, for various reasons, emergency services, especially 24-hour Emergency Care Units (UPAs), are the main gateway for accessing mental health services. Objectives: To discuss the perceptions and experiences of higher-level health professionals working in a UPA regarding the care provided to people suffering from self-inflicted violence. Methods: This is a case study, with a qualitative and exploratory approach, developed with 20 professionals (Social Workers, Doctors and Nurses), who were interviewed, and whose collected information was analyzed using Laurence Bardin's content analysis technique. Results: Three categories and seven subcategories emerged from the data analysis, totaling 35 units of analysis. Significant challenges were identified in the care of people suffering from self-inflicted violence in the institution under investigation. The deficiencies include inadequate infrastructure, work overload for professionals, insufficient training, and a lack of interdisciplinary teams. Conclusion: It is expected that the results of this research will contribute to raising awareness among managers and professionals about the importance of qualified and integrated care, driving positive changes in mental health policies and care practices at UPA Esperança.