Occupational therapists and 'centros de convivência e cooperativas': new health actions

Abstract

In São Paulo city, Brazil, the public administration 1989-1992 suggested specific policies for the development of health actions directed to persons with physical and mental problems. This population was previously excluded from the public health services and needed to be assisted, in accordance to the 'Sistema Único de Saúde', 'SUS' (which can be freely translated as 'Health System for all citizens'). New health services were established, like 'CeCCos' (Community Centers), and jobs were created for occupational therapists, in order to supply the services required by the population. In this work, we studied the changes in São Paulo's health politics, during the period 1989-2000, analyzing their influence on the CeCCos's abilities to fulfill their purposes. We discussed the contribution of the occupational therapists to the CeCCos; we also sought to understand the ways in which this professional uses the resource 'activities', as compared to other health staff. We found conclusive evidence of the innovative potential of the CeCCos; the occupational therapists - and their use of the resource 'activities' as a tool for social insertion - certainly had a relevant role in their development.