Estudio de las percepciones y actitudes del personal de una unidad hospitalaria frente a enfermos terminales

Abstract

In order to promote the humanization of health at the National Institute of Thorax, this work is proposed to make a descriptive and exploratory study of qualitative type with the intention of knowing the functions, perceptions, values and attitudes of the staff of the Respiratory Medical Surgical Unit to faced of the patients who live their process of death in hospital. We are also interested in to identifying strengths, weaknesses and needs felt by the team in caring for these terminal ill patients and the treatment use with the body of the deceased. This information will implement measures that will help to dignify the death in this Unit. It is based on 26 interviews (65%) of the staff who work in this unit. Interviewees described her/his work as "good" especially in the control of physical symptoms of the patient and family care issues. They admit, however, there are other needs, especially the psychological and spiritual, that they not serve very well. This is the result of a poor training received to resolve high emotional situations and to establish a therapeutic communication with the patient.