Resumos
The aim of this work was to analyze the first admission to a specialized psychiatric hospital based on narratives of family members. Qualitative, descriptive, and analytical research, using semi-structured interviews with relatives of hospitalized individuals, was performed. We have identified that family members perceive some strangeness prior to the crisis, and that they are the ones who take care of the individual until the hospitalization. Upon arriving at the specialized hospital emergency room, family members report not having prior knowledge of the Psychosocial Care Network (PSCN). And, therefore, territorial mental health services do not participate in managing the crisis event. Family members criticize the hospital’s idle daily life as well as the patients’ passiveness and ignorance regarding treatment. Family members are the assistance network agents for referral after hospital discharge.
Key words:
Psychiatric hospitals; family relationships; crisis intervention; patient’s welcome