O distresse entre cuidadores familiares de pessoas em cuidados paliativos oncológicos

Abstract

Palliative care is a term that comprises a set of care strategies that aim to improve the quality of life of a person who has a life-threatening disease, and which affects the lives of their family members, it also covers the care of the family member, who accompanies them. the patient directly and indirectly, and is often responsible for making therapeutic decisions. These family members are taken to distress on a daily basis, a concept that is linked to the harmful impact of stress on the experience of care. Thus, this study aims to identify the distress in the experience of family caregivers of people with cancer in palliative care about the care process. For this, a research was carried out with a qualitative approach and with the theoretical framework of cultural anthropology. The research site was the Oncology Unit of the Hospital Regional do Oeste (HRO), located in the Municipality of Chapecó, Santa Catarina, 10 participants were recruited for the interview, aiming to respond to the proposed objectives. Data collection took place online, and a script of previously formulated questions was used. All interviews were audio recorded and later transcribed. Each interview was analyzed according to inductive thematic analysis. The analysis process culminated in the production of three thematic categories: Uncertainties related to the diagnosis; Emotional repercussions; Transformation of everyday life. Considering the results found in this study, it is understood the importance of identifying the distress experienced by family caregivers, as well as identifying the factors that potentiate distress in their daily lives. With this, the investigation is justified by allowing to know the factors that can cause distress to family caregivers of people with cancer in palliative care. From the knowledge of these factors, health care practices can be planned for the investigated group.