Promoção da saúde mental e qualidade de vida do residente médico de psiquiatria: revisão integrativa

Abstract

Introduction: Medical residency, characterized by on-the-job training, is the gold standard of specialization for medical graduates. However, this type of postgraduate training can be associated with feelings of insecurity, uncertainty, and frustration, linked to the high level of dedication, growth, and maturation required. If this process is not counterbalanced in an empathetic and supervised manner, it can be traumatic and lead to mental health disorders. Added to this are the peculiar characteristics of psychiatric residency, such as treating the mental suffering of another human being and its challenges, such as exposure to violence, suicide attempts and acts, empathic suffering, and stigmatization. Objective: To identify and propose strategies to promote the quality of life and mental health of psychiatric residents. Method: Integrative review, conducted in electronic databases of scientific publications—Medline/PubMed, SciELO, SCOPUS, Web of Science, ERIC, Virtual Health Library/BIREME (VHL), and Cochrane Library—and in the gray literature – CAPES Thesis Database, Brazilian Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (BDTD), and Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (NDLTD), with selection using search strings by two independent researchers, with disagreements decided by a third party. Results: Of the 710 studies found, eight articles were selected, separated according to the type of modality used in the proposed intervention: virtual (online) and in-person. Remote interventions used cognitive behavioral therapy for suicide prevention and offered interventions through an app at strategic times of the day to improve behavior and mental health, both targeting first-year residents. In-person interventions focused on implementing wellness service strategies for resident physicians, organizational change strategies, post-suicide prevention protocols, meditation practices such as heartfulness and mindfulness, and electroacupuncture. Conclusion: Although studies show that the interventions found are low-cost and easily accessible, the studies do not show specific data such as financial values and reflect a reality that is often not found in countries such as Brazil. It is urgent to raise awareness among managers and the general public about this issue, in order to contribute to the development of public policies focused on care within the training settings for health professionals, which is closely linked to the field of public health.