THE CHALLENGES OF PSYCHIATRIC REFORM: A TECHNICAL VISIT TO THE PROFESSOR WASSILY CHUC EMERGENCY ROOM

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to present an experience report of a technical visit to the Wassily Chuc Psychiatric Emergency Room (PSP), located in the city of Goiânia. In contrast to the experience, reflective analyses are produced taking into account the historical understanding of the Brazilian psychiatric reform and what the current legislation on mental health care proposes. The Psychiatric Reform movement began in 1970 and aimed to transform mental health care, progressively replacing psychiatric hospitals with community care devices focused on psychosocial rehabilitation. The demonstration of health professionals due to asylum practices for treating psychiatric patients culminated in the creation of Law 10.216/2001, in order to guarantee the rights and protection of people with mental disorders. To carry out this paper, a description of the experience of the field visit to the PSP and a brief narrative review of the literature on the Brazilian psychiatric reform and the guidelines on mental health care are carried out. The findings indicate significant precariousness in the facility's infrastructure and in the well-being of patients. Although the institution is designated as a PSP, its operations do not correspond to what is expected of an emergency care service. The lack of resources compromises the quality of care, resulting in dehumanization and disintegration of care. Given this context, it becomes relevant to question the need for the PSP to remain in operation.