Humanized care in the Intensive Care Unit: discourse of Angolan nursing professionals

Abstract

Objectives: to analyze the perception of nursing professionals in an intensive care unit in Angola about humanized care and identify resources necessary for its implementation. Methods: a qualitative, descriptive study conducted with 15 professionals in June-October/2020 in intensive care unit in Angola. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews; analysis based on the collective subject discourse technique. Results: five central ideas emerged: three related to the perception of humanized care (“From integral vision and empathy to a set of actions in all phases of care”, “Humanizing is extending care to family members and companions”, “Humanized care requires the establishment of a bond of trust and guarantee of individualized care”); and two on the resources necessary for this care (“Need for infrastructure – human and material resources”, “Professional training and humanized care are interconnected”). Final Considerations: humanized care involves objectivity and subjectivity; it includes family members. An adequate infrastructure can provide it.