A religiosidade/espiritualidade ante a internação em UTI Covid: experiências de familiares

Abstract

Religiosity/Spirituality (R/S) are considered the main strategies used by patients and family members in the face of the illness process. The Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has had impacts on the economy, politics, religion, public health and the mental health of society as a whole. Faced with the scenario of isolation and hospitalization in the Covid Intensive Care Unit (Covid ICU), spiritual support is an important support tool accessed by families, a source of hope, recognition of their suffering and beliefs. The objective of this research is to understand the R/E experiences experienced by family members of patients hospitalized in the Covid ICU. This is a qualitative research, based on the theoretical-methodological framework of Grounded Theory (GT). As a reference site for capturing families, the Covid ICU of the University Hospital of Santa Maria (HUSM) was selected. 12 families participated, totaling 15 people, who experienced the R/S experience when having a family member hospitalized in the Covid ICU. Inclusion criteria: being a reference family member of the patient who was hospitalized in the Covid ICU, regardless of clinical evolution, religion or creed, and being 18 years of age or older. Exclusion criteria: families that did not obtain access/contact after three attempts and people who had cognitive limitations that prevented them from answering the interview questions. Data were collected at the families' homes or through the google meet virtual platform, from June 2022 to February 2023, through in-depth interviews recorded in audio and transcribed in full. For data storage and organization, the Nvivo® program was used. Data analysis was performed using the GT Constant Comparative Method. The ethical precepts established in Resolution 466/12 were followed during all stages of the investigation, and the research was approved by the Research Ethics Committee under opinion No. 5,346,454. Data analysis resulted in six categories: Being “run over” by the illness; Dealing with the complexity of illness and hospitalization in the ICU; Empowering yourself through R/E; Seeking to minimize suffering; Preparing for the death of the family member and Rejoicing at discharge from the ICU. From these, it was possible to identify the central category called R/S as a resource to minimize the suffering of a family member hospitalized in the Covid ICU. The category highlights the movement that the family performs from the discovery of the diagnosis and illness by Covid-19, the difficulties faced with hospitalization, going through the strategies to face the illness and hospitalization until the outcome of the process, with hospital discharge or death of the familiar. Knowing the understanding of family members when having a member hospitalized in the Covid ICU can contribute to reflection and dialogue on the role of R/S in the education and training of health professionals and assistance, as a strategy for better care for people and women. families in times of pandemic and other serious situations that pose a threat to life.