Perception of clinical management in the child and adolescent population with acute mental health conditions.

INTRODUCTION

Child and Adolescent Day Hospitals stabilize acute mental health conditions through intensive and interdisciplinary interventions. In Chile, there are 12 such facilities, with a shortfall of 73, amid exponential demand growth. This issue coexists with a lack of information and knowledge regarding the care and management provided in these centers. The problem is grounded in Patricia Benner's theory and E. Morin's theory of "complex thinking."

OBJECTIVE

To reveal the clinical management of children and adolescents enrolled in Child and Adolescent Day Hospitals with severe mental health conditions.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A phenomenological study, based on the theoretical framework of Max Van Manen. Twelve in-depth interviews were conducted with a convenience sampling. Data analysis takes a phenomenological approach, identifying units of meaning and categories.

RESULTS

The following meta-categories were identified: 1. Care and management: meso-level, micro-level, and quality; and 2. Challenges related to care: improvement of organizational guidelines, awareness, visibility, and education regarding facilities.

DISCUSSION: Studies reveal centers with similar objectives in mental health, showing greater development in quality processes and in the importance/awareness of the field, alongside specialization in mental health nursing.

CONCLUSION

The vulnerability and complexity of individuals receiving care are decisive, making community educational awareness and the provision of resources for management and quality of care imperative, alongside an appropriate care model.