<b>Distinguishing features of professionals employed in a mental health substitutive service in Belo Horizonte, MG/Brazil</b> - DOI: 10.4025/cienccuidsaude.v8i4.9666

Abstract

This is a qualitative study aimed at identifying marked features of professionals employed in a mental health substitutive service in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais/ Brazil. Data was acquired through interviews semi-structured. The research subjects were professionals from different categories such as nurses, nursing assistants, doctors, psychologists, pharmacists and doormen. Data was treated by content analysis, enabling the recognition of distinguishing features that characterize these professionals as a specific group. Those characteristics were acquired by means of professionals’ self-introduction through the following question at the beginning of the interview: “May you introduce yourself to me?. Their description allowed the identification of distinguishing features on the professional level: preservation and reinforcement of professional identity, professional path, appreciation of practical experience and professional fulfillment. At the personal/individual level: questions concerning private life, financial hurdles, work overcharge and positive self-image. Regarding singularities of mental health’s work were identified: difficulties faced, developed strategies and qualification as a reality. The distinguishing features identified reinforce singularities of mental health substitutive services.