Mental health pandemic: action of CAPS in the face of the increased demand for mental disorders in the COVID-19 emergency

Abstract

Objective: (Re)recognize the role of CAPS in the care of patients with mental disorders and how it dealt with the increased demand for care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This is a qualitative study, whose collection instrument was a semi-structured interview after approval by the Ethics Committee, with 08 male and female professionals, between 23 and 45 years of age and mean time of work of 2.5 years. Information was gathered from profession and experiences during the pandemic, the challenges to the organization of the service to the feelings experienced. The results were organized in Microsoft word and Excel, and content analysis by Bardin. Results: It was possible to observe that the pandemic was a challenge for professionals, demonstrating great coping and decision-making in care in the face of the impasses of the crisis. There is organization, activation of other services in great demands, preventing agglomerations, evidencing that the CAPS followed sanitary recommendations and did not interfere in the care and particular needs of patients. Final considerations: It is important to contribute to elucidate the importance of the CAPS and teams, encouraging studies in mental health and improvement of the equipment available in public health, cooperating in the care of individuals with mental disorders, also in the face of health crises.