Práticas integrativas complementares em saúde: uma análise sobre os limites e possibilidades de um serviço assistencial universitário e potenciais expansões no cuidado em saúde mental

Abstract

Mental health care within the university context has increasingly become a challenge for Higher Education Institutions in Brazil. At the Universidade Federal da Bahia, the Serviço Médico Universitário Rubens Brasil (SMURB/UFBA) is responsible for promoting the psychological well-being of the academic community, yet it faces structural and financial limitations that result in fragmented care and weak intersectoral and territorial coordination. In response to this scenario, this dissertation presents three main products: an integrative review on the use of Integrative and Complementary Health Practices (PICS) in Brazilian universities, highlighting their effects and potential for students, professors, and staff; a qualitative article analyzing the discourse of SMURB managers and professionals regarding everyday challenges in mental health care and the strategies that emerge to strengthen services; and an Operational Procedure presented as a Social Management and Territorial Development Technology to support managers and staff in implementing integrative practices through more standardized and efficient processes. The findings of the two articles indicate that, considering the precarious conditions and fragmentation of care within SMURB, new approaches to mental health support must be considered and strengthened, with PICS standing out as powerful tools for health promotion and prevention of psychological distress. Additionally, the development of the Operational Procedure represents a valuable managerial tool for SMURB and the UFBA community, enabling the creation of diverse strategies to benefit the university population.