Development of technological tools in response to primary mental health care needs arising from the emergency caused by COVID-19 in Cauca

The pandemic caused by Covid-19 – Coronavirus forced government authorities to take quick action against the virus, within the framework of these measures, borders, social distancing, confinement, cancellation of face-to-face attendance and implementation of teleworking were interrupted, and effective solutions were sought for the protection of physical health and care of life. However, mental health was neglected, triggering depression, anxiety, different types of violence, suicidal ideation, and action, among other factors. Directly affecting individuals in their environment, emotions, and perceptions. With the understanding of the demands in mental health care, the research team made an interdisciplinary proposal focused on the inhabitants of the department of Cauca, methodologically used a mixed research approach, applying qualitative instruments such as focus groups, debates with experts, discursive analysis; in quantitative, analysis of secondary sources, compilation, and review of reports. As a result, a technological platform was built to favor decision-making by state actors, a virtual learning object, a training process for 210 actors such as technical assistance, installed capacity in the 42 Municipalities of Cauca, a base document for the formulation of public policies in mental health and primary care for 60,000 people through face-to-face visits or teleorientation.