COMMUNICATION OF BAD NEWS IN PEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES: EXPERIENCES OF PROFESSIONALS IN THE PRE-HOSPITAL CONTEXT

Abstract

Objective: to understand how health professionals working in the pre-hospital experience the communication of bad news to the family in the pediatric emergency, as well as to propose a communication protocol based on these experiences. Method: qualitative research with theoretical-methodological support based on Symbolic Interactionism and Inductive Thematic Analysis, through semi-structured interviews, in the 2nd semester of 2019. Results: the professionals experienced the difficult communication process under the influence of the hostile environment. They set out actions to try to care for and receive the family. Family care generated reflections and a desire to provide adequate care. After the analysis of these experiences, the Protocolo Acolher was proposed. Final considerations: health professionals working in the pre-hospital feel unprepared and extremely uncomfortable before communicating bad news. The protocol developed can collaborate in directing pre-hospital care professionals and help them in the process of communicating bad news.