Viabilidade económica de uma equipa de apoio ao domicílio na área da saúde mental

Abstract

This dissertation aims to analyze the economic feasibility and operational efficiency of implementing a Home Support Team (EAD) in Mental Health at the Hospital Conde Ferreira, within the broader context of evolving paradigms in mental health care delivery. Based on a Design Science Research approach, the study combines financial data, document analysis, semi-structured interviews, and a comparative case study with an existing EAD — that of the Hospitaller Sisters of Braga — to assess the potential economic and organizational impact of this innovative care model. The literature review highlighted national and international trends in mental health, namely the emphasis on psychosocial rehabilitation, deinstitutionalization, and patient-centered care. The EAD model emerges as a response aligned with these goals, by promoting continuity of care in the home setting, fostering user autonomy, and encouraging community integration. The economic analysis revealed that the average cost per patient in conventional inpatient care is significantly higher than in the EAD model (€1,427.71 vs. €60.67), demonstrating its financial efficiency. Additionally, the project showed a positive return on investment (ROI) and a payback period of under two years, even in conservative scenarios. Interviews conducted with professionals confirmed favorable perceptions regarding the implementation of EAD, especially in terms of proximity to users, humanization of care, and reduction in long-term hospitalizations. It is concluded that the implementation of a Home Support Team at Hospital Conde Ferreira is viable, sustainable, and consistent with the guiding principles of Portuguese mental health policy, representing a promising solution for modernizing care, improving resource management, and enhancing the well-being of service users.

Date of Award	21 Jul 2025
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Maria Helena Correia (Supervisor)