Perception of family members about the psychiatric hospitalization unit in a general hospital

Abstract

Objective: to identify the perception family members about the care and organization of the psychiatric hospitalization unit in a general hospital. Method: Descriptive and exploratory research, with a qualitative approach, conducted in a general hospital in western São Paulo, including 13 relatives of people with mental disorders. The data collection instrument was a semi-structured interview script and the analysis took place using the methodological framework of the thematic content analysis proposed by Bardin. Results: From the analysis of the speeches, two categories were raised: a) “Relevance of environment and multidisciplinary team in the treatment of people with mental disorders”, highlighting the physical environment, the treatment given by the multidisciplinary team and the contact and participation of family members during hospitalization; and b) “Weaknesses in care dynamics as a support in interpersonal relationships”, where the aspects pointed out as still fragile in health care were highlighted. Final Considerations: The relatives’ perception was predominantly positive in relation to the service offered and, even with the weaknesses pointed out, they feel satisfied with the hospital environment regarding the work performed by the multidisciplinary team and the inclusive care of the family in the therapy.