Abstract

FERREIRA, Priscila Dias  and  MENDES, Tatiane Nicolau. Family in ICU: importance of Psychological support given the imminence of death. Rev. SBPH [online]. 2013, vol.16, n.1, pp. 88-112. ISSN 1516-0858.

This article aimed to identify the experience of families, the importance of psychological preparation for death, to analyze the importance of the rituals of farewell and check the learning experience in ICU. The survey was conducted in one ICU of the Hospital Regional de Santa Maria (DF). Were tracked direct caregivers of patients who were on the verge of death. This is a qualitative study with a sample of 20 families in the first time of the survey and 4 in the second time. Data collection occurred at different times. The first stage consisted of explanations about the research, the signing of the consent form (Statement of Consent), the application of the demographic questionnaire and the first interview. The second time occurred after the patient's death, where the family was contacted by telephone, to answer the second interview. The relevant results obtained were the most varied life lessons after the difficult experience in ICU, as well as satisfaction with the family for assistance during this time born of suffering and anguish, and also the relevance of psychological care to the family especially in relation the imminent death of the patient.

Keywords : Psychological aspects; Family; Death; Intensive care unit.

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