Using Local Resources in Patagonia

Abstract

This paper proposes community-based rehabilitation (CBR) as a potentially useful model for care of the mentally ill in developing countries and illustrates an application of CBR in such a setting. CBR is an approach to rehabilitation that makes use of local resources in order to meet the needs of a chronically disabled group. Our companion paper in this journal issue discusses the primary health-care system of one province in the Patagonia region of Argentina. This health-care system can be viewed as a valuable local resource that has been applied to the care of people with mental illness. The present paper describes a specific rehabilitation program for chronic psychiatric patients in the same province. At the Instituto Austral de Salud Mental, CBR principles are being adapted for this population. We emphasize this program's use of a plentiful local resource, the primary-care doctor, who plays a pivotal role in the long-term care and rehabilitation of the mentally ill.