SUICIDAL BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE. AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW.

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends prioritizing care for patients with suicidal behavior, especially in Primary Health Care, where Psychosocial Care Centers must be integrated into the Psychosocial Care Network. Despite this, mental health care in PHC is still insufficient in Brazil, and management strategies must be improved to prevent the act and ensure continuity of care. This article constitutes an Integrative Literature Review, whose objective was to analyze the management strategies for suicidal behavior in Primary Health Care reported in current literature. Data were collected in the PubMed, MEDLINE, LILACS and SciELO databases, using the following descriptors: (("health strategies" AND “suicide”) OR "suicide prevention") AND "primary health care". The publication time was limited to the period from 2019 to 2023. A total of 22 articles met the eligibility criteria and were therefore selected and analyzed. The results showed that primary care is a suitable environment for identifying and managing patients with suicidal ideation, due to the notable frequency of use of services in the months preceding suicide. However, studies indicate gaps in the training of PHC professionals, who lack the skills to identify patients at risk. It is concluded that strategies against suicidal behavior, such as training health professionals through videos, lectures and training that clarify signs of risks and myths, are essential for applying appropriate conduct and early referral of these patients.