Health Professionals' perspectives on Human Rights and Mental Health Recovery.

Abstract

Background: The guarantee of human rights in the healthcare of individuals with mental disorders is a global challenge. Health practices frequently fail to integrate relational ethical principles in the promotion of holistic and inclusive care. It is therefore crucial to investigate how healthcare professionals perceive and conduct their practices in this context. Objective: To understand, in the light of Relational Ethics, the perceptions and conduct of healthcare professionals regarding the guarantee of human rights and the recovery process of individuals with mental disorders. Research Design: An exploratory study was conducted using ideas storming techniques and field notes for data recording, which were analyzed through Thematic Analysis and discussed in the light of the core elements of Relational Ethics. Participants and Research Context: The study involved 26 healthcare professionals (15 community health workers, 5 nurses, 3 nursing assistants, 2 doctors, and 1 pharmacy assistant) from a primary healthcare unit in a municipality in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, during the application of the module "Recovery and Right to Health" of the WHO QualityRights training. Ethical Considerations: The research project to which this study belongs was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the School of Nursing at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (report number 6.257.303). Findings: Three themes were identified: (1) Feeling worthless when facing the lack of structure of mental health services: appearance, accessibility, and privacy; (2) dealing with barriers to the recovery of individuals with psychosocial, intellectual, or cognitive disabilities; and (3) an ethical duty: to understand the roles of families and other supporters in promoting recovery. These themes primarily explored resource scarcity, social stigma, and emotional support. Conclusions: The study reinforces the need for practices that integrate ethical care, respect for autonomy, and dialogue, which are fundamental to ensuring human rights and facilitating the recovery process.