Percepção de pacientes sobre o período de internação em unidade de terapia intensiva

Abstract

This is a qualitative descriptive study that aims at analyzing the perception of the patients on the period they were in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Data of 11 conscious and oriented patients were collected after being discharged from hospital and, thus, submitted to the content analysis. From the analysis two categories emerged: Unsatisfactory Perception and Satisfactory Perception. The aspects pointed out by the patients during the period were the central focus. Based on these aspects we considered important to identify and discuss how the factors positive or negatively influenced their stay in the sector. The findings showed that the ICU is not always a cold and inhuman environment for the individuals, and that these aspects can be related to the moment in which the patient is living, and the professional attitude of the staff involved in their care.