Patiente evaluation and attendance system of a mental health center

Abstract

A descriptive study is developed concerning patients and intendance process in a Menial Health State Center of São Paulo, city (Brazil). A content analysis system is employed which consists of 15 items, 12 as sets of categories for quantitative descriptions, and three as other forms of sistematic description, concerning some aspects of the population and attendance process that could not be adequately grouped into categories. The results present valuable information concerning the target population and allow for a critical analysis of the attendance process, suggesting productive changes. The study raises questions and hypotheses considering future investigations. It also points out the contradictions of the present government mental health policy and attendance process. The analysis emphasizes the need for social and political action to solve many of the problems presented by the target population.