ATENÇÃO HOSPITALAR EM SAÚDE MENTAL NO RIO GRANDE DO NORTE: CONTRIBUIÇÕES DO PLANEJAMENTO E AVALIAÇÃO EM SAÚDE

Abstract

Introduction: The hospital component of the Psychosocial Care Network (RAPS) advocates the progressive closure of psychiatric hospitals and the implementation of mental health beds in general hospitals, capable of providing care for acute cases that require hospitalization in articulation with the other points of care in the network. Objective: In view of this, the objective of this article was to analyze the distribution of the number of hospital mental health care beds in Rio Grande do Norte between 2012 and 2022 and to present a planning and evaluation proposal to strengthen the state's RAPS. Methodology: This is an ecological study carried out in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, from 2012 to 2022, using secondary data on hospitalizations. Followed by a propositional study based on health planning and evaluation references. Results: There is a reduction in the number of psychiatric beds over time, but this is not enough and does not translate into a satisfactory growth of mental health beds in general hospitals. Five actions were proposed with the aim of strengthening the RAPS through the implementation and qualification of mental health beds in general hospitals. Conclusion: It is concluded that the movement towards the constitution of the hospital component of the RAPS of the RN has been irregular and the number of mental health beds in a general hospital is insufficient. It is hoped that the suggested interventions and evaluations can contribute to support important referrals within the scope of public mental health policies in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.