Abstract

BALAGUE GEA, Laura et al. The "other professionals" in the care of people with depression: psychologists, social workers and nurses. Index Enferm [online]. 2013, vol.22, n.1-2, pp.35-39. ISSN 1699-5988.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S1132-12962013000100008.

Objectives: To know experiences and perspectives of psychologists, social workers and nurses about their role in the care of depressed patients. Method: Qualitative research with exploratory design and generation of information by means of two discussion groups. Recordings obtained after confidentiality agreement. Thematic analyses and comparison with the findings obtained in a previous study with family physicians and psychiatrists. Triangulation among researchers. Results: The main shared experiences are reciprocal lack of awareness, lack of coordination, fuzziness of the diagnosis, and risk of pathologizing problems of daily living. The non-medical professionals highlight the importance of biopsychosocial factors, while at the same time stressing the need for their own role. There is evidence of confusion regarding the role of psychotherapy and its remarkable absence in health centers. Conclusions: The different professionals that participate in the treatment of people with depression have specific visions that need to be identified and discussed in order to reach an integrated level of care. The collaboration must focus on the patient and engage the different professionals throughout the long care process.

Keywords : Depression; Professional role; Collaboration; Mental health; Qualitative research.