ITINERANT PRACTICE CARE IN THE CONTEXT OF MENTAL HEALTH IN BRAZIL

Abstract

The process of Psychiatric Reform in Brazil triggered changes in the forms of mental health care. New care technologies were created, seeking an approach to the territory of life of users. This study aimed to discuss the reaches, the effects and the theoretical and methodological bases of itinerant care practices in mental health developed in Brazil, after the psychiatric reform. The general objective of the study was to know the itinerant care practices in mental health developed in Brazil, after the beginning of psychiatric reform process. The specific objectives were to identify the theoretical and methodological bases of itinerant practices in mental health and investigate its repercussions. Through a literature review, it was possible to know published materials on the subject, identifying relations and limitations of practices that take the territory and movement as elements for the construction of a singular care. Books and bibliographic databases Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS) and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) were used. The chosen descriptors were “practical”; “territory”; “Mental health” and “care”. Were selected for the development of work those matching the theme “traveling practices in mental health,” according to statement of the abstract or keywords, which were available in Portuguese, with publication period greater than or equal to 2009. It is concluded that the itinerant care practices have the potential to generate transformations in all the agents involved, contemplate population groups historically excluded, and to ensure the territory of life as a health promotion strategy.