Políticas públicas de saúde mental: análise comparativa entre o Brasil e a República da Irlanda

Abstract

Public policies are focused on key areas of people's lives such as health, education and security. In Brazil, the Mental Health National Policy contains a new model of mental health care with proposals for community-based services, as opposed to beds in psychiatric hospitals. Due to governmental policies and European Union regulations, the public health policies in Ireland are greatly influenced by international organizations like the United Nations and World Health Organization. Currently, A Vision for Change is the main policy that guides mental health care and services in Ireland. This study aimed to compare the public mental health policies in Brazil and the Republic of Ireland. It is a comparative literature review. The main data sources used were the Irish and Brazilian mental health policies. Additionally, relevant protocols, guidelines and academic papers were analyzed. In order to ensure the promotion of health, full care and social rehabilitation of patients, Brazilian mental health policy advocates family involvement in the therapeutic process, as well as the development and integration of health services. This includes: Psychosocial Attention Centre, Primary Health care, Therapeutic Residences Services, Return Home Program; Home Units, beds in Psychiatric and General Hospitals, and emergency care by the Mobile Emergency Service. In Ireland, the mental health policy aims to ensure access to quality mental health care for all social groups. Among the guidelines suggested by this policy are: user and caregiver co-operation in decision-making, care in community-based services, modernization of services, continuing education for professionals, integrating mental health services with primary health care, and creating Mental Health teams in the Community. The National Policy on Mental Health of Brazil and The Vision for Change provide admirable guidance on improving the quality of services, care and living conditions of its members, however, insufficient funding, interests about the market of health and deficient mental health service management, are barriers which delay the implementation process and advancement of mental health public policies. Participation and social control are critical in building public policies which strive to guarantee human rights and the continuing evaluation of implemented actions.