Evaluative research of a mental health urgences protocol for the primary care level

Abstract

This research stems from certain obstacles in the implementation of the National Mental Health Law, especially at the primary care level and regarding emergency management, with or without certain and imminent risk. The scarcity of mental health intervention protocols and the perception that they could limit the clinical understanding of each critical situation are challenges identified in practice. However, protocols can be valuable organizational tools in complex circumstances. The literature emphasizes the need to accompany their implementation with training to prevent exclusively bureaucratic and dehumanized approaches. The purpose of this work was to address this gap, by developing an emergency mental health action protocol and training for first-level healthcare personnel in a territory of the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires. The research aimed to evaluate its effectiveness. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to characterize interventions before the protocol's implementation, comparing them with those after training and protocol application. It was found that this device facilitated more appropriate responses in critical contexts and improved knowledge about resolution strategies that can be implemented within the framework of the National Mental Health Law. Additionally, it strengthened protective factors for the mental health of healthcare workers, such as the possibility to access to a strategy that aids in task organization, and teamwork.