Perceptions of the Process of Work in a Psychosocial Care Center for Children and Youth

Abstract

The aim of this article was to analyze the perceptions of health professionals regarding the process of work and the production of care after the merging of a Psychosocial Care Center for Alcohol and Drug Use for Children and Youth (CAPS ADi) and a Psychosocial Care Center for Children and Youth (CAPSi), in a city located in southeastern Brazil. This was achieved using a qualitative approach. The study involved 11 health professionals. Data were collected using focus groups, and examined using content analysis. The results indicated that the merging of the services was implemented in a top-down fashion, with health professionals excluded from the planning of the merger. This had a signifi cant impact on work performance, leading to diffi culties in adopting an interdisciplinary approach to multidisciplinary work; lack of commitment; and a division of the work according to patient needs. Additionally, the exclusion of health professionals from the process of change was identifi ed as a signifi cant cause of distress for these individuals.