Development and proposal of a reference tool for semi-structured interviews for the characterization of the management in mental health networks

Abstract

In 2011, Brazil’s mental health care networks were instituted; nevertheless, standardized arrangements or indicators for network evaluation and management were not established. Hence, a proposed model to evaluate municipal and regional management of such networks was elaborated. One of its steps consists of semi-structured interviews aiming the network management knowledge. Therefore, this paper aimed the development and validation of a reference tool for conducting interviews focusing on assessment of mental health care network management. Methods comprised definition of interest topics, questions elaboration for each topic, preliminary script preparation, script validation, script adequacy and definition of final script. Thus, the developed script consisted of 29 questions and 8 follow-up questions divided over 8 topics (interviewee characterization, legislation, decision-making processes, network structure, management participants, information systems, indicators, and knowledge of external experiences). The script also added individualized field reports and interview planning and execution guidelines. After validation, it was concluded that chosen topics were relevant and appropriate, despite minor modifications; and estimated average interview time remained close to prior established. Therefore, the developed tool can assist collecting information to help managers evaluate the network and improving population health. Moreover, the tool could be used in other localities or adapted for other networks.