Occupational therapist graduation in the mental health field: enrolled and former students perspective

This study aimed to identify the comprehension of enrolled and formers Occupational Therapy students on the academic education in order to act in the mental health field; and how they evaluate the link between this education and the Brazilian health public policies. This is a qualitative and quantitative study that included 135 enrolled and former Occupational Therapy students in Sao Paulo state. The data collected using a questionnaire was described and presented using the categorical analysis. The enrolled and former students gave a positive evaluation to the mental health academic background received during their undergraduate course; assuring confidence to work in this field; however, they also link the continued education as a necessary strategy to practice their jobs. The outcome also shows the existence of discrepancies between the sector public policies assumption and the services reality where the practice is developed. The current curricular guidelines, services reality and education practices are under discussion. This study provides elements for a reflection on the professional education in the general mental health field, specifically for occupational therapy and ads up to the studies on the Occupational Therapist academic education in Brazil.