Percepção sobre a utilização de um modelo de assistência psicológica entre cuidadores principais de bebês internados na unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal do Hospital Geral de Vitória da Conquista

Abstract

Preterm birth represents a risk factor for the survival of the newborn and demands intensive care, offered by neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). These places are necessary for the preservation of life and for the promotion of the clinical improvement of the patient, however, the need for hospitalization and the characteristics of the place can cause psychological impacts on the caregivers (father and mother) of the hospitalized babies, which demands professional attention specialized. This study aimed to investigate the perception of caregivers (father and mother) of babies hospitalized in NICUs about their experience in the unit, and about the psychological assistance model used during hospitalization. To achieve this objective, a qualitative and exploratory study was conducted, in which 12 caregivers of babies hospitalized in the NICU participated, being 11 mothers and 1 father. The instruments used were: a sociodemographic questionnaire and a semi-structured interview, with questions that addressed the emotions and impressions of the participants during hospitalization. The interviews were analyzed using the content analysis technique, from which the following thematic categories were raised: 1) Being a caretaker of a NICU baby: a mixture of sensations; 2) Changes in feelings during hospitalization; 3) Psychological support network and its influence on babies. The results showed the preponderance of feelings such as fear, anguish, sadness and despair, accentuated in the moments following admission. At the same time, feelings such as joy, happiness, hope and a sense of relief were also evidenced, related to the fact that the baby was receiving the necessary treatment through hospitalization. Changes in caregivers' impressions throughout the process were observed, especially in situations where there was clinical improvement of the patient. In these cases, the participants' sense of confidence was evident. The study showed the predominance of a positive perception about the care provided by the NICU health team, which contributed to the emotional stability of the interviewees. The psychological support offered at the unit, based on the model developed for this study, was considered a promoting element of support and reception, which helped to reduce the emotional tensions narrated by caregivers. It was evidenced that the consultations were relevant to achieve improvements in the experience of the companions of the newborns at the NICU and to strengthen the safety and confidence of these subjects in the treatment provided. This research proves to be relevant for offering contributions to the field of study, due to the scarcity of material published in Brazil, referring to this theme; for the reflections raised and for enabling psychological interventions with a view to promoting the psychological health of caregivers (father and mother) of hospitalized premature neonates.