Continuity of mental health care from the users’ perspective: challenges in the transition between specialized care and primary care
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25118/2763-9037.2026.v16.1665Keywords:
mental health, continuity of patient care, primary health care, mental health services, patient dischargeAbstract
Introduction: The transition of mental health care between specialized services and Primary Health Care (PHC) poses a challenge for care continuity, particularly with longstanding relationships with tertiary services. Objective: To analyze the perceptions of users at a tertiary outpatient clinic specialized in impulse disorders regarding their treatment experience and care transition to PHC. Method: Exploratory qualitative study with complementary descriptive quantitative data, conducted with 14 users of the Integrated Outpatient Program for Impulse Disorders. Data were collected using instruments based on the DSM-5 Cultural Formulation Interview and analyzed using Collective Subject Discourse and descriptive statistics. Research approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Hospital das Clínicas of the University of São Paulo Medical School (HCFMUSP), under Opinion No. 5734353 and CAAE No. 57902022.2.0000.0068. Results: Participants reported high treatment satisfaction, highlighting welcoming care, therapeutic bonding, symptom improvement, and family support. However, most expressed insecurity regarding care continuity in PHC, associated with perceived difficulties in access, professional availability, and medication supply. Conclusion: Mental health care transition involves relational and organizational dimensions beyond clinical stability. Shared discharge planning and inter-service coordination can promote care continuity and enhance user confidence.
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