Abstract

FINKLER, Ana Letícia Quatrin  and  VIVIAN, Aline Groff. Psychology focal group in patients with heart failure. Aletheia [online]. 2018, vol.51, n.1-2, pp. 80-96. ISSN 1413-0394.

Heart Failure (HF) is defined as the heart's lack of ability to effect the blood demands of tissues. Emotionally, patients with HF use to have greater distress due to the representation of the heart, as the "organ of life". The aim of this study was to present the contributions of a psychological intervention in a focal group, in the context of heart failure. This is a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive study with 10 participants, aging from 63 to 82 years old, socioeconomic level and varied schooling, residents of the metropolitan area of Porto Alegre, members of a Multidisciplinary Program. Fourteen biweekly meetings were held from March to December 2017. Data were recorded and transcribed, submitted to a qualitative content analysis. The importance of the psychological intervention to health promotion of the participants was described, as a support strategy and enriching space for exchanges and reflections, where the experiences shared in emotional terms, besides the physical aspects were evidenced.

Keywords : Heart Failure; Psychology; Focus Group.

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