Mobilizing digital technology to implement a population-based psychological support response during the COVID-19 pandemic in Lima, Peru.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic caused considerable burden on mental health worldwide. To address this emergency in Peru, Socios en Salud (SES) implemented an innovative digital system for the diagnosis and psychological therapy in vulnerable populations. We describe the development, implementation, and participant outcomes of this intervention. Methods: We conducted an intervention in a general population of Lima, Peru using a digital tool, ChatBot-Juntos, incorporating the abbreviated Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ) to screen psychological distress. Participants positive for psychological distress received remote Psychological First Aid (PFA) and grief therapy if needed. Participants with a mental health condition or safety concern were referred to mental health services. SRQ scores were collected 3 months after PFA sessions. Differences between screening and follow-up scores were compared using Wilcoxon sign-rank test. Results: In total, 2027 people were screened; 1581 (77.9%) screened positive for psychological distress. Nine hundred ninety-seven (63%) people with psychological distress received PFA, and 320 (32.1%) of those were also referred for mental health care. At 3 months after follow-up, SRQ scores were collected for 579 (58%) participants. Significant reduction in SRQ scores was observed 3 months after PFA [median SRQ score changed from 9 to 5 (p < 0.001)], and after PFA plus referral to mental health services [median SRQ score changed from 11 to 6 (p < 0.001)]. Conclusion: Digital technology can be used to screen for psychological distress and deliver mental health support for populations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. More research is needed to determine whether technology contributes to improved mental health outcomes.

Peru - Progress in health and sciences in 200 years of independence.

Peru celebrates 200 years of independence in 2021. Over this period of independent life, and despite the turbulent socio-political scenarios, from internal armed conflict to economic crisis to political instability over the last 40 years, Peru has experienced major changes on its epidemiological and population health profile. Major advancements in maternal and child health as well as in communicable diseases have been achieved in recent decades, and today Peru faces an increasing burden of non-communicable diseases including mental health conditions. In terms of the configuration of the public health system, Peru has also strived to secure country-wide optimal health care, struggling in particular to improve primary health care and intercultural services. The science and technology infrastructure has also evolved, although the need for substantial investments remains if advancing science is to be a national priority. Climate change will also bring significant challenges to population health given Peru's geographical and microclimates diversity. Looking back over the 200-years of independence, we present a summary of key advances in selected health-related fields, thus serving as the basis for reflections on pending agendas and future challenges, in order to look forward to ensuring the future health and wellbeing of the Peruvian population. Resumen translated abstract: El Perú cumple 200 años de independencia en 2021. Durante estos dos siglos de vida independiente, junto con periodos sociales y políticos turbulentos, incluyendo un conflicto armado interno, hiperinflación y la inestabilidad política de los últimos 40 años, el Perú ha experimentado importantes cambios en su perfil epidemiológico con repercusiones directas en la salud de la población. En las últimas décadas, los indicadores de salud materno-infantil y de las enfermedades transmisibles muestran mejoría importante, pero el país se enfrenta de manera simultánea a una carga cada vez mayor de enfermedades no transmisibles y de salud mental. En cuanto a los sistemas de salud pública, se han realizado esfuerzos por aumentar la cobertura y calidad de la atención de salud en todo el país, apostándose en particular por mejorar la atención primaria. La ciencia y tecnología relacionadas con la salud también han mejorado, aunque si se quiere que la ciencia sea una prioridad nacional, son necesarias inversiones sustanciales. El cambio climático traerá importantes desafíos para la salud de la población, dada la diversidad geográfica y de microclimas del país. Para conmemorar los 200 años de vida independiente del Perú, presentamos un resumen de avances clave en diversas áreas y temas relacionados con la salud. Este repaso sirve como base para reflexionar sobre agendas y desafíos pendientes y futuros, con el fin de asegurar la salud y el bienestar de la población peruana en las próximas décadas.

Depressive symptoms among Peruvian adult residents amidst a National Lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Population health and well-being in Latin America, the current epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, has been severely affected during the past semester. Despite the growing evidence about the link between the pandemic, its control measures, and mental health worldwide, there is still no regional evidence of the potential mental health impact. We describe the prevalence and distribution of depressive symptoms across demographic and socioeconomic risk factors in the Peruvian population amidst a national lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted during the community transmission phase and national lockdown in Peru (May 4th-16th, 2020). We recorded 64,493 responses from adult Peruvian residents through an opt-in online questionnaire. All analyses were weighted using raking based on proportions of sociodemographic variables from the last Peruvian census in 2017. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was calculated using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) score of 10 or more. We identified associated demographic and socioeconomic factors by prior mental health diagnosis. Sensitivity analysis considered an alternative cut-off point for depressive symptoms of PHQ-9 ≥ 14. RESULTS: A total of 57,446 participants were included in the analytical sample. A third of the participants (n = 23,526, unweighted) showed depressive symptoms in the 2 weeks prior to the study. Participants who reported a previous mental health diagnosis doubled the sample prevalence of depressive symptoms (59, 95%CI 56.7, 61.4%) of those without a prior diagnosis. Psychosocial and functioning reactions were largely more prevalent among females and young adults. A dose-response relationship was found between household income and depressive symptoms across previous mental health diagnosis strata, being as low as 32% less in the wealthiest than the most impoverished group (PR: 0.68, 95%CI 0.58,0.79). Other critical factors associated with a higher burden of depressive symptoms were lower education level, single, unemployed, and chronic comorbidity. CONCLUSIONS: An increased burden of depressive symptoms and psychosocial reactions has emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic in Peru compared to previous years. The mental health burden disproportionately affects women, the younger population, and those with low income and education. As the country eases the social distancing measures, it is crucial to use local evidence to adjust public health policies and mental health services to the renewed population needs.

[Qualitative study of the implementation of the Continuity of Care and Rehabilitation Program for people with severe mental disorders in PeruEstudo qualitativo sobre a implementação do Programa de Continuidade de Cuidados e Rehabilitação para pessoas com transtornos mentais graves no Peru]. / Estudio cualitativo sobre la implementación del Programa de continuidad de cuidados y rehabilitación para personas con trastornos mentales graves en el Perú.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the implementation of the Continuity of Care and Rehabilitation Program (PCC-R) in community mental health centers (CSMCs, Spanish acronym) in Peru. METHODS: Qualitative study of the implementation of the PCC-R in four CSMCs in Lima and La Libertad, Peru. Forty-two individual semi-structured interviews were conducted, as well as a focus group with five participants, for a total of 47 informants, including users, family members, and professionals involved in the design, implementation, and monitoring of the program. RESULTS: The PCC-R is a key program for community mental health services in Peru and it enjoys broad acceptability. Providers and users report satisfaction with its results; however, the program lacks a policy document specifying its objectives, organization, and activities. This would explain the variability in its implementation. The PCC-R has limitations in terms of management of financial and human resources, and it is necessary to improve training and supervision. There is consensus on the need, usefulness, and viability of developing a system to monitor the PCC-R. Good practices and suggestions are presented with a view to addressing these challenges. CONCLUSIONS: The PCC-R is a flagship program for the CSMCs and for the mental health reform in Peru. It has achieved broad acceptability among providers and users. Its implementation combines successes and difficulties, with pending tasks that include developing a policy document, improving resource management, strengthening training and supervision, and implementing a monitoring system for continuous improvement of the program.

OBJETIVO: Descrever a implementação do Programa de Continuidade de Cuidados e Reabilitação (PCC-R) em centros de saúde mental comunitária (CSMCs) do Peru. MÉTODOS: Estudo qualitativo sobre a implementação do PCC-R em quatro CSMCs em Lima e La Libertad, no Peru. Realizamos 42 entrevistas semiestruturadas individuais e um grupo focal com cinco participantes, com um total de 47 participantes, entre usuários, familiares e profissionais envolvidos na elaboração, implementação e monitoramento do PCC-R. RESULTADOS: O PCC-R é um programa central dos serviços de saúde mental comunitária no Peru, conta com ampla aceitabilidade e os prestadores e usuários dizem estar satisfeitos com seus resultados. No entanto, o programa não possui um documento normativo que detalhe os seus objetivos, organização e atividades, o que pode explicar a variabilidade em sua aplicação. Existem limitações na gestão dos recursos financeiros e humanos do PCC-R e necessidades de capacitação e supervisão, que devem ser melhoradas. Há consenso sobre a necessidade, utilidade e viabilidade de se desenvolver um sistema de monitoramento do PCC-R. Apresentamos aqui um conjunto de boas práticas e sugestões para enfrentar esses desafios. CONCLUSÕES: O PCC-R é um programa emblemático dos CSMCs e da reforma da saúde mental no Peru, tendo obtido ampla aceitação entre prestadores e usuários. A sua implementação combina acertos e dificuldades e revela tarefas pendentes, tais como o desenvolvimento de um documento normativo, uma melhor gestão de recursos, o reforço da capacitação e supervisão e a aplicação de um sistema de monitoramento para fomentar a melhoria contínua do programa.

Qualitative study of the implementation of the Continuity of Care and Rehabilitation Program for people with severe mental disorders in Peru

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. Describe the implementation of the Continuity of Care and Rehabilitation Program (PCC-R) in community mental health centers (CSMCs, Spanish acronym) in Peru. Methods. Qualitative study of the implementation of the PCC-R in four CSMCs in Lima and La Libertad, Peru. Forty-two individual semi-structured interviews were conducted, as well as a focus group with five participants, for a total of 47 informants, including users, family members, and professionals involved in the design, implementation, and monitoring of the program. Results. The PCC-R is a key program for community mental health services in Peru and it enjoys broad acceptability. Providers and users report satisfaction with its results; however, the program lacks a policy document specifying its objectives, organization, and activities. This would explain the variability in its implementation. The PCC-R has limitations in terms of management of financial and human resources, and it is necessary to improve training and supervision. There is consensus on the need, usefulness, and viability of developing a system to monitor the PCC-R. Good practices and suggestions are presented with a view to addressing these challenges. Conclusions. The PCC-R is a flagship program for the CSMCs and for mental health reform in Peru. It has achieved broad acceptability among providers and users. Its implementation combines successes and difficulties, with pending tasks that include developing a policy document, improving resource management, strengthening training and supervision, and implementing a monitoring system for continuous improvement of the program.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Describir la implementación del Programa de continuidad de cuidados y rehabilitación (PCC-R) en centros de salud mental comunitaria (CSMC) del Perú. Métodos. Estudio cualitativo sobre la implementación del PCC-R en cuatro CSMC de Lima y La Libertad, Perú. Se realizaron 42 entrevistas semiestructuradas individuales y un grupo focal con cinco participantes, para un total de 47 informantes entre usuarios, familiares y profesionales vinculados al diseño, la implementación y el monitoreo del PCC-R. Resultados. El PCC-R es un programa central de los servicios de salud mental comunitaria en Perú, goza de amplia aceptación y los prestadores y usuarios refieren estar satisfechos con sus resultados. Sin embargo, el programa carece de un documento normativo que detalle sus objetivos, organización y actividades, lo que explicaría la variabilidad en su aplicación. Existen limitaciones en la gestión de recursos financieros y humanos del PCC-R y necesidades de capacitación y supervisión, que deben ser mejoradas. Existe consenso sobre la necesidad, la utilidad y la viabilidad de desarrollar un sistema de monitoreo del PCC-R. Se recogen buenas prácticas y sugerencias para enfrentar estos retos. Conclusiones. El PCC-R es un programa insignia de los CSMC y de la reforma de la salud mental en Perú, y ha logrado amplia aceptación entre los prestadores y usuarios. Su implementación combina aciertos y dificultades, y revela tareas pendientes como desarrollar un documento normativo, mejorar la gestión de recursos, fortalecer la capacitación y acompañamiento, y aplicar un sistema de monitoreo para favorecer la mejora continua del programa.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Descrever a implementação do Programa de Continuidade de Cuidados e Reabilitação (PCC-R) em centros de saúde mental comunitária (CSMCs) do Peru. Métodos. Estudo qualitativo sobre a implementação do PCC-R em quatro CSMCs em Lima e La Libertad, no Peru. Realizamos 42 entrevistas semiestruturadas individuais e um grupo focal com cinco participantes, com um total de 47 participantes, entre usuários, familiares e profissionais envolvidos na elaboração, implementação e monitoramento do PCC-R. Resultados. O PCC-R é um programa central dos serviços de saúde mental comunitária no Peru, conta com ampla aceitabilidade e os prestadores e usuários dizem estar satisfeitos com seus resultados. No entanto, o programa não possui um documento normativo que detalhe os seus objetivos, organização e atividades, o que pode explicar a variabilidade em sua aplicação. Existem limitações na gestão dos recursos financeiros e humanos do PCC-R e necessidades de capacitação e supervisão, que devem ser melhoradas. Há consenso sobre a necessidade, utilidade e viabilidade de se desenvolver um sistema de monitoramento do PCC-R. Apresentamos aqui um conjunto de boas práticas e sugestões para enfrentar esses desafios. Conclusões. O PCC-R é um programa emblemático dos CSMCs e da reforma da saúde mental no Peru, tendo obtido ampla aceitação entre prestadores e usuários. A sua implementação combina acertos e dificuldades e revela tarefas pendentes, tais como o desenvolvimento de um documento normativo, uma melhor gestão de recursos, o reforço da capacitação e supervisão e a aplicação de um sistema de monitoramento para fomentar a melhoria contínua do programa.

Estudio cualitativo sobre la implementación del Programa de continuidad de cuidados y rehabilitación para personas con trastornos mentales graves en el Perú

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Describir la implementación del Programa de continuidad de cuidados y rehabilitación (PCC-R) en centros de salud mental comunitaria (CSMC) del Perú. Métodos. Estudio cualitativo sobre la implementación del PCC-R en cuatro CSMC de Lima y La Libertad, Perú. Se realizaron 42 entrevistas semiestructuradas individuales y un grupo focal con cinco participantes, para un total de 47 informantes entre usuarios, familiares y profesionales vinculados al diseño, la implementación y el monitoreo del PCC-R. Resultados. El PCC-R es un programa central de los servicios de salud mental comunitaria en Perú, goza de amplia aceptación y los prestadores y usuarios refieren estar satisfechos con sus resultados. Sin embargo, el programa carece de un documento normativo que detalle sus objetivos, organización y actividades, lo que explicaría la variabilidad en su aplicación. Existen limitaciones en la gestión de recursos financieros y humanos del PCC-R y necesidades de capacitación y supervisión, que deben ser mejoradas. Existe consenso sobre la necesidad, la utilidad y la viabilidad de desarrollar un sistema de monitoreo del PCC-R. Se recogen buenas prácticas y sugerencias para enfrentar estos retos. Conclusiones. El PCC-R es un programa insignia de los CSMC y de la reforma de la salud mental en Perú, y ha logrado amplia aceptación entre los prestadores y usuarios. Su implementación combina aciertos y dificultades, y revela tareas pendientes como desarrollar un documento normativo, mejorar la gestión de recursos, fortalecer la capacitación y acompañamiento, y aplicar un sistema de monitoreo para favorecer la mejora continua del programa.

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. Describe the implementation of the Continuity of Care and Rehabilitation Program (PCC-R) in community mental health centers (CSMCs, Spanish acronym) in Peru. Methods. Qualitative study of the implementation of the PCC-R in four CSMCs in Lima and La Libertad, Peru. Forty-two individual semi-structured interviews were conducted, as well as a focus group with five participants, for a total of 47 informants, including users, family members, and professionals involved in the design, implementation, and monitoring of the program. Results. The PCC-R is a key program for community mental health services in Peru and it enjoys broad acceptability. Providers and users report satisfaction with its results; however, the program lacks a policy document specifying its objectives, organization, and activities. This would explain the variability in its implementation. The PCC-R has limitations in terms of management of financial and human resources, and it is necessary to improve training and supervision. There is consensus on the need, usefulness, and viability of developing a system to monitor the PCC-R. Good practices and suggestions are presented with a view to addressing these challenges. Conclusions. The PCC-R is a flagship program for the CSMCs and for the mental health reform in Peru. It has achieved broad acceptability among providers and users. Its implementation combines successes and difficulties, with pending tasks that include developing a policy document, improving resource management, strengthening training and supervision, and implementing a monitoring system for continuous improvement of the program.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Descrever a implementação do Programa de Continuidade de Cuidados e Reabilitação (PCC-R) em centros de saúde mental comunitária (CSMCs) do Peru. Métodos. Estudo qualitativo sobre a implementação do PCC-R em quatro CSMCs em Lima e La Libertad, no Peru. Realizamos 42 entrevistas semiestruturadas individuais e um grupo focal com cinco participantes, com um total de 47 participantes, entre usuários, familiares e profissionais envolvidos na elaboração, implementação e monitoramento do PCC-R. Resultados. O PCC-R é um programa central dos serviços de saúde mental comunitária no Peru, conta com ampla aceitabilidade e os prestadores e usuários dizem estar satisfeitos com seus resultados. No entanto, o programa não possui um documento normativo que detalhe os seus objetivos, organização e atividades, o que pode explicar a variabilidade em sua aplicação. Existem limitações na gestão dos recursos financeiros e humanos do PCC-R e necessidades de capacitação e supervisão, que devem ser melhoradas. Há consenso sobre a necessidade, utilidade e viabilidade de se desenvolver um sistema de monitoramento do PCC-R. Apresentamos aqui um conjunto de boas práticas e sugestões para enfrentar esses desafios. Conclusões. O PCC-R é um programa emblemático dos CSMCs e da reforma da saúde mental no Peru, tendo obtido ampla aceitação entre prestadores e usuários. A sua implementação combina acertos e dificuldades e revela tarefas pendentes, tais como o desenvolvimento de um documento normativo, uma melhor gestão de recursos, o reforço da capacitação e supervisão e a aplicação de um sistema de monitoramento para fomentar a melhoria contínua do programa.

Addressing Severe Mental Illness Rehabilitation in Colombia, Costa Rica, and Peru.

Many Latin American countries face the challenge of caring for a growing number of people with severe mental illnesses while promoting deinstitutionalization and community-based care. This article presents an overview of current policies that aim to reform the mental health care system and advance the employment of people with disabilities in Colombia, Costa Rica, and Peru. The authors conducted a thematic analysis by using public records and semistructured interviews with stakeholders. The authors found evidence of supported employment programs for vulnerable populations, including people with disabilities, but found that the programs did not include people with severe mental illnesses. Five relevant themes were found to hamper progress in psychiatric vocational rehabilitation services: rigid labor markets, insufficient advocacy, public subsidies that create conflicting incentives, lack of deinstitutionalized models, and lack of reimbursement for evidence-based psychiatric rehabilitation interventions. Policy reforms in these countries have promoted the use of medical interventions to treat people with severe mental illnesses but not the use of evidence-based rehabilitation programs to facilitate community integration and functional recovery. Because these countries have other supported employment programs for people with nonpsychiatric disabilities, they are well positioned to pilot individual placement and support to accelerate full community integration among individuals with severe mental illnesses.

Qualitative study of the implementation of the Continuity of Care and Rehabilitation Program for people with severe mental disorders in Peru.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the implementation of the Continuity of Care and Rehabilitation Program (PCC-R) in community mental health centers (CSMCs, Spanish acronym) in Peru. METHODS: Qualitative study of the implementation of the PCC-R in four CSMCs in Lima and La Libertad, Peru. Forty-two individual semi-structured interviews were conducted, as well as a focus group with five participants, for a total of 47 informants, including users, family members, and professionals involved in the design, implementation, and monitoring of the program. RESULTS: The PCC-R is a key program for community mental health services in Peru and it enjoys broad acceptability. Providers and users report satisfaction with its results; however, the program lacks a policy document specifying its objectives, organization, and activities. This would explain the variability in its implementation. The PCC-R has limitations in terms of management of financial and human resources, and it is necessary to improve training and supervision. There is consensus on the need, usefulness, and viability of developing a system to monitor the PCC-R. Good practices and suggestions are presented with a view to addressing these challenges. CONCLUSIONS: The PCC-R is a flagship program for the CSMCs and for mental health reform in Peru. It has achieved broad acceptability among providers and users. Its implementation combines successes and difficulties, with pending tasks that include developing a policy document, improving resource management, strengthening training and supervision, and implementing a monitoring system for continuous improvement of the program.

Lessons From Rural Peru in Integrating Mental Health Into Primary Care.

Peru secured a legislative advance for mental health care with a 2012 law mandating that mental health services be available in primary care. One of the main challenges faced by this reform is implementation in remote regions. This column describes a pilot project in Peru that took place from 2010 to 2014 to develop capacity for including mental health services in primary care in one of the most isolated, high-needs regions of the country. The authors describe use of accompaniment-based training and supervision of clinicians and comprehensive, engaged regional partnerships formed to increase the impact and sustainability of the service expansion.

[Implementation and operation of protected residences for people with serious mental illness in Iquitos, Peru (2013-2016)Implementação e funcionamento de residências terapêuticas para pessoas com transtornos mentais graves em Iquitos, Peru (2013-2016)]. / Implementación y funcionamiento de hogares protegidos para personas con trastornos mentales graves en Iquitos, Perú (2013-2016).

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the implementation and operation of protected residences for people with serious mental illness in Iquitos, based on the benefits and perceived improvement in their quality of life. METHODS: Qualitative and cross-cutting study. Thirty-six in-depth interviews of residents, caregivers, neighbors, and health professionals were conducted. A sociodemographic and clinical file was completed for each resident, along with a file on managerial processes for each facility. Focus groups were conducted with managers and caregivers. RESULTS: Residents' previous length of stay in a psychiatric hospital was 7 years and 3 months. Only 28 % had suffered a clinical relapse in the past year. Residents reported an improvement in their quality of life and greater satisfaction with their stay in the facility compared with their stay in the psychiatric hospital. The residences evaluated are located in areas accessible to social and community services, with adequate access to transportation. Periodic supervision of caregivers, infrastructure, and residence maintenance was performed. CONCLUSIONS: Caregivers, managers, residents, and neighbors have a positive view of residence operations.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o processo de implementação e funcionamento de residências terapêuticas ("pensões protegidas") para pessoas portadoras de transtornos mentais graves segundo a percepção de benefício e melhoria da qualidade de vida. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo transversal qualitativo realizado em Iquitos, no Peru. Trinta e seis entrevistas em profundidade foram conduzidas com os moradores de residências terapêuticas, cuidadores, vizinhos e profissionais de saúde. Foi feito o preenchimento de uma ficha sociodemográfica e clínica para cada morador e uma ficha do processo de gestão por residência. Foram realizados grupos de discussão com gestores e cuidadores. RESULTADOS: A permanência prolongada anterior em instituição manicomial dos moradores das residências foi de 7 anos e 3 meses. Apenas 28% tiveram recaída clínica no último ano. Os moradores perceberam melhoria da qualidade de vida e informaram um nível maior de satisfação com a permanência nas residências terapêuticas em comparação à permanência anterior em instituição manicomial. As residências estudadas se situavam em locais acessíveis aos funcionários dos serviços sociais e comunitários, com acesso adequado ao transporte público. O trabalho dos cuidadores e a infraestrutura e manutenção das residências receberam supervisão periódica. CONCLUSÕES: O funcionamento das residências terapêuticas é percebido favoravelmente por cuidadores, gestores, moradores e vizinhos.

Implementación y funcionamiento de hogares protegidos para personas con trastornos mentales graves en Iquitos, Perú (2013-2016) / Implementation and operation of protected residences for people with serious mental illness in Iquitos, Peru (2013-2016) / Implementação e funcionamento de residências terapêuticas para pessoas com transtornos mentais graves em Iquitos, Peru (2013-2016)

RESUMEN Objetivo Evaluar el proceso de implementación y funcionamiento de los hogares protegidos para las personas con trastornos mentales graves en Iquitos, con base en el beneficio y la mejora en la calidad de vida percibida. Métodos Estudio con enfoque cualitativo y transversal. Se realizaron 36 entrevistas a profundidad a residentes del hogar, cuidadores, vecinos y profesionales de salud. Se llenó una ficha sociodemográfica y clínica por cada residente y una ficha de procesos de gestión por cada hogar protegido. Se realizaron grupos focales con gestores y cuidadores. Resultados El tiempo de estancia prolongada manicomial previa de los residentes de hogares protegidos fue de 7 años y 3 meses. Solo 28 % habían presentado recaída clínica durante el último año. Los residentes percibieron mejoría en su calidad de vida y mayor satisfacción en la estancia en hogar protegido respecto a la estancia manicomial previa. Los hogares evaluados se encuentran en lugares accesibles a servicios sociales y comunitarios, con adecuado acceso a medios de transporte. Se realizaron supervisiones periódicas a los cuidadores, infraestructura y mantenimiento del hogar. Conclusiones Existe percepción favorable de cuidadores, gestores, residentes y vecinos sobre el funcionamiento de los hogares protegidos.

ABSTRACT Objective Evaluate the implementation and operation of protected residences for people with serious mental illness in Iquitos, based on the benefits and perceived improvement in their quality of life. Methods Qualitative and cross-cutting study. Thirty-six in-depth interviews of residents, caregivers, neighbors, and health professionals were conducted. A sociodemographic and clinical file was completed for each resident, along with a file on managerial processes for each facility. Focus groups were conducted with managers and caregivers. Results Residents' previous length of stay in a psychiatric hospital was 7 years and 3 months. Only 28 % had suffered a clinical relapse in the past year. Residents reported an improvement in their quality of life and greater satisfaction with their stay in the facility compared with their stay in the psychiatric hospital. The residences evaluated are located in areas accessible to social and community services, with adequate access to transportation. Periodic supervision of caregivers, infrastructure, and residence maintenance was performed. Conclusions Caregivers, managers, residents, and neighbors have a positive view of residence operations.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar o processo de implementação e funcionamento de residências terapêuticas ("pensões protegidas") para pessoas portadoras de transtornos mentais graves segundo a percepção de benefício e melhoria da qualidade de vida. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo transversal qualitativo realizado em Iquitos, no Peru. Trinta e seis entrevistas em profundidade foram conduzidas com os moradores de residências terapêuticas, cuidadores, vizinhos e profissionais de saúde. Foi feito o preenchimento de uma ficha sociodemográfica e clínica para cada morador e uma ficha do processo de gestão por residência. Foram realizados grupos de discussão com gestores e cuidadores. Resultados A permanência prolongada anterior em instituição manicomial dos moradores das residências foi de 7 anos e 3 meses. Apenas 28% tiveram recaída clínica no último ano. Os moradores perceberam melhoria da qualidade de vida e informaram um nível maior de satisfação com a permanência nas residências terapêuticas em comparação à permanência anterior em instituição manicomial. As residências estudadas se situavam em locais acessíveis aos funcionários dos serviços sociais e comunitários, com acesso adequado ao transporte público. O trabalho dos cuidadores e a infraestrutura e manutenção das residências receberam supervisão periódica. Conclusões O funcionamento das residências terapêuticas é percebido favoravelmente por cuidadores, gestores, moradores e vizinhos.

Peruvian Mental Health Reform: A Framework for Scaling-up Mental Health Services.

BACKGROUND: Mental, neurological, and substance (MNS) use disorders are a leading cause of disability worldwide; specifically in Peru, MNS affect 1 in 5 persons. However, the great majority of people suffering from these disorders do not access care, thereby making necessary the improvement of existing conditions including a major rearranging of current health system structures beyond care delivery strategies. This paper reviews and examines recent developments in mental health policies in Peru, presenting an overview of the initiatives currently being introduced and the main implementation challenges they face. METHODS: Key documents issued by Peruvian governmental entities regarding mental health were reviewed to identify and describe the path that led to the beginning of the reform; how the ongoing reform is taking place; and, the plan and scope for scale-up. RESULTS: Since 2004, mental health has gained importance in policies and regulations, resulting in the promotion of a mental health reform within the national healthcare system. These efforts crystallized in 2012 with the passing of Law 29889 which introduced several changes to the delivery of mental healthcare, including a restructuring of mental health service delivery to occur at the primary and secondary care levels and the introduction of supporting services to aid in patient recovery and reintegration into society. In addition, a performance-based budget was approved to guarantee the implementation of these changes. Some of the main challenges faced by this reform are related to the diversity of the implementation settings, eg, isolated rural areas, and the limitations of the existing specialized mental health institutes to substantially grow in parallel to the scaling-up efforts in order to be able to provide training and clinical support to every region of Peru. CONCLUSION: Although the true success of the mental healthcare reform will be determined in the coming years, thus far, Peru has achieved a number of legal, policy and fiscal milestones, thereby presenting a unique and fertile environment for the expansion of mental health services.