Elements of the socio-critical paradigm in nursing care practices: An integrative review

Abstract

Objective: Analyze the evidence available in Brazilian theses on the elements of the socio-critical paradigm in the construction of knowledge and practices of nursing care. Method: An integrative literature review was carried out in the Theses Database of the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel and the Brazilian Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations. Results: Of a total of 320 theses, only 19 had elements of the socio-critical paradigm in their construction, among which the use of participatory investigations stand out (especially action-research), which present interaction between the researcher and the participants, the use of data collection techniques such as focus groups and culture circles, and theoretical frameworks for analyzing the phenomena in their complexity. Conclusion: The support of the sociocritical paradigm attributes to nursing the character of a practical science and service to the community, being committed to social transformation by empowering people.