A delegation from Peru visited several mental health facilities in the cities of Santiago and Valparaíso, on November 20-23.The delegation was composed of Dr. Alberto De Belaunde, Congressman of the Republic; Dr. Lyla Malabrigo, La Libertad Region Mental Health Coordinator; and by PAHO/WHO Regional Advisor on Mental Health for South America, Dr. Andrea Bruni.
The purpose of the visit was to value Chile's successful experiences in the community mental health model implementation, which has partially reduced the role of psychiatric hospitals.
Successful and quality strategies in community work were highlighted at various care levels, among them:
- Primary Care, where the integration of a mental health component in the promotion, prevention and treatment of people with mental disorders is crucial;
- Community mental health centers, with a multidisciplinary team basically consisting of a social worker, a psychologist and a psychiatrist, which meets the needs of the population living in the corresponding area.They also have self-care programs, promoting wellness and the prevention of professional burn out.
- Protected homes, where residents are integrated in the community and their rights respected. An open door policy allows freedom and promotes social inclusion. Labor integration is also favored.
The following services were visited in Santiago: the South Metropolitan Health Service, the Barros Luco Hospital short-stay unit, a day hospital, the COSAM Pedro Aguirre Cerda, a protected home and a protected residence. In Valparaíso: the Valparaíso Health Service, the Salvador's Psychiatric Hospital, the Jean and Marie Thierry Family Health Center, and the Domingo Asún Salazar Community Mental Health Center.
The visit was useful to learn about other mental health care models, community-based, alternative to those based exclusively on psychiatric hospitals, and respectful of the rights of people with mental disorders.
