Matrix support actions in Primary Health Care: a phenomenological study

Objective: To understand the meaning of mental health matrix support actions in Primary Health Care from the perspective of matrix supporters and nurses. Methods: A qualitative study, with a phenomenological sociology approach, developed in a Primary Health Care unit of a city in Southern Brazil. Interviews were carried out with five matrix supporters and 22 nurse assistants, who worked in the territory from July to August 2017. Comprehensive interpretation followed the steps of careful reading of speeches, identification of concrete categories, phenomenological verification of social action and establishment of the typical action, according to Alfred Schutz's theoretical and methodological framework. Results: It was revealed that matrix supporters experience the phenomenon of matrix support actions in Primary Care through instruction and participation in care represented in the following concrete categories: (1) To instruct the health professionals of the units; and (2) To participate in mental health care in the territory. Experiences of nurses are demonstrated in the concrete categories: (3) Meeting the user's mental health demands; and (4) Matrix support structure improvement. Conclusion: There was a mismatch between intentions and expectations, clearly exposing the conflict between what is intended and expected. Given this, it was recognized that there is no reciprocity of perspectives, evidencing the need for self-analysis of matrix supporters and nurses. (Re)thinking public policies and management of the matrix support strategy regarding instituted practices is necessary, so that actions in mental health can bring health production, citizenship and existence.