Serviços psicogerontológicos: desafios, oportunidades e inovações na perspectiva da prática profissional no Brasil

Abstract

With the aging of the Brazilian population, significant challenges arise for health management, while opportunities for innovation in psychogerontological services open up. The demand for specialized care for older adults requires a personalized and adapted approach. In this context, the SERVQUAL model stands out as a tool to assess user satisfaction in health services, while the Pikes Peak Training Model presents the attitudes, knowledge and skills necessary for the practice of Psychogerontology. This research was developed through the preparation of two articles, with different methodological approaches, to investigate the quality of psychogerontological services: an analysis based on a systematic review of the literature and another focused on empirical research, of a qualitative and exploratory nature, based on the perceptions of 22 Brazilian psychologists. The data collection process for the second article was guided by triangulation between the formulation of the semi-structured questionnaire composed of 11 questions, the conduct of the interviews and the observations made by the researcher. The selection of the main excerpts and observations made it possible to code and categorize the data, through the evaluation dimensions and their constituent parts. The results indicate that issues related to the training and qualification of psychology professionals represent a challenge both in the literature review and in the interviews conducted with the psychologists. These factors impact not only the quality of the psychogerontological services offered, but also influence the number of psychologists interested in specializing in the care of elderly people, their caregivers and family members. Another aspect observed, both in the literature review and in the interviews, was the association made by the psychologists between empathy, acceptance, expression of affection and interest. It is important to emphasize the importance of the psychology professional understanding the real needs of this population and, based on this understanding, applying their specialized knowledge to define the most appropriate intervention strategy for each case. In addition, it was found that psychology professionals need to pay attention to structural improvements, ranging from access to mental health services to communication channels and the resources used. As an innovation of this research, the adaptation of the SERVQUAL model to assess the quality of psychogerontological services in Brazil stands out. As an opportunity for improvement, the adaptation of the Pikes Peak Training Model to the context of psychogerontological services in the country is discussed, given its relevance. This adaptation would provide a solid basis for the training of psychologists, enabling them to deal more effectively with issues related to aging. The integration of the Pikes Peak Model into the Brazilian context, combined with the dimensions of the SERVQUAL model, can generate a significant positive impact on the quality of psychological services aimed at the elderly. It is concluded that the training and practice of psychology professionals should promote approaches that broaden and deepen the understanding of the multiple dimensions of aging, preparing them for a more qualified and sensitive performance to the demands of this population.