“Many holes tied together with ropes”: the concept of network for mental health professionals

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the meanings attributed to the concept of network of care by health professionals and identify how they change it into living work in the production of care. This study used a qualitative approach, with interviews mediated by the use of problem situations with professionals from different levels of care provided to patients with mental disorders. Data were evaluated using Bardin’s content analysis and, from the thematic analysis, three categories were defined: (1) meanings of a network of care - concept and characteristics; (2) operating means for the construction of a network of care - practice construction; and (3) proposals to minimize the challenges and consolidate a network of care. From these, the following subcategories were identified: networking; support networks; conflict; continuity of care; integral care; shared care; training process; broad discussion; and work organization. This study concluded mental health professionals express different concepts of network and, therefore, act differently when producing care, even though they observe the same normative guideline. Access fragmentation and barriers to access were also observed, which hinders the patient’s use of the network of care.