The healthcare network for people with amputation: Nursing action in the view of bioethics

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the referral and counter-referral process in the health care of people with amputations, in the perspective of nurses, in the view of bioethics. Method: a descriptive, exploratory-analytical study with a qualitative approach, performed with semi-structured interviews with 21 nurses who provide care to people with amputations in the health care network of Florianópolis (Santa Catarina/Brazil). The data were organized using Atlas ti 7.5.6 software and analyzed based on thematic content analysis. Results: two thematic categories emerged: The nurse’s role in the referral and counter-referral process and Advances and challenges of a process under construction. It was evidenced that without legal backing, most referrals are made based on interpersonal relationships and informality. Therefore, shared responsibility and the exchange of knowledge allows actions based on the intrinsic needs and complexities in the health care of this population. Conclusion: the analysis in the view of bioethics allowed to conclude that not only the person with the amputation but also the nurse occupies a vulnerable position. They have shown the commitment to offer a comprehensive service. The ethical commitment, professional creativity, specialist orientation and consultation-liaison were highlighted as potentialities. The weaknesses were the lack of protocols, ineffective communication between levels of care, restricted access to information and slow referral time.