Interdisciplinary work in CAPS and specificity of the work of occupational therapists

Abstract

Given the current discussions on the multi and interdisciplinary approaches in health, this work proposes a reflection on the specificity of action of the occupational therapist at the Centers for Psychosocial Care (CAPS). This is the results of the research carried out in the work of conclusion graduate course, in 2008, which aimed to understand the specificity of the work of occupational therapist at CAPS. The research falls within the field of qualitative research and the main method of data collection consisted of semi-structured interviews, analyzed second methodological procedures of content analysis. It was found that the conformation of the service requires the presence of different professional skills with their own professional field, while competencies are needed for collective action and an interdisciplinary work that addresses the user's attention. Still, it is identified that the characterization of working practices in CAPS do not define the specificity of the occupational therapist, but it is possible to identify features on these professionals concerning the approach that employs in its actions and contributions aggregating in discussions with team. It is concluded that the challenge for the production of health in the contemporary, there is no need for a professional field with rigid boundaries and a monopoly on certain practices, but from a broad perspective to an understanding of the contexts and resources, where the specificity of certain professions add unique contributions to these services.