The hidden experience of nursing professionals sued for error

Abstract

Objective: To understand the experience of judicialization due to error from theviewpoint of nursing professionals. Method: Qualitative study with two nursingprofessionals sued for error in a state in southern Brazil. The data were collected betweenJanuary and June 2018 through an online survey and analyzed with the Oral Historytechnique. Results: The reports discussed the experience of error and its influence onprofessional practice. The perception of being unable to intervene in errors and the lackof support from institutions and professional associations were mentioned as causes ofemotional suffering, a feeling of injustice, and revolt. Nonetheless, both participantsmentioned receiving support from the local health sector union and hoping to carryon with their profession. Conclusion: Emotional suffering caused by judicialization isamplified by a feeling of helplessness regarding error prevention and lack of institutionalsupport