O Impacto da espiritualidade de médicos e residentes na atenção aos pacientes em cuidados paliativos em unidade geriátrica de Salvador/BA

Abstract

Introduction: It is noted that clinical practice has increasingly focused on the patient within their own individuality. In this scenario, it is observed that the study of the effects of the work of medical professionals and residents in support by spirituality, as a fundamental element to alleviate suffering and to contribute to the treatment of terminally ill patients, is of great relevance. Therefore, the present study sought to investigate the influence of spirituality in the treatment of terminally ill patients in a geriatric unit at Hospital Irmã Dulce, in Salvador/BA. Aim: As a general objective, the study intended to analyze the impacts of the performance of doctors and residents through spirituality in the treatment of patients in a geriatric unit by Hospital Irmã Dulce, in Salvador/BA. As for the specific objectives, the aim was to investigate how doctors and residents use knowledge about spirituality in assisting elderly people in the terminal process; analyze whether the humanization process is present in the discourse of doctors and residents who work in the chosen geriatric unit; learn about the role of doctors and residents in favor of elderly patients Methods: This is exploratory field research with a qualitative approach. A semi-structured questionnaire was used, which included four questions on the topic addressed. The discussion about the data obtained was carried out through content analysis, using the Bardin technique. Results: The results obtained demonstrate that medical professionals and residents consider spirituality as a relevant factor for the treatment of elderly patients in the process of terminal illness. Finally, it was highlighted that professionals working in the field of geriatrics do not use tools related to spirituality in patient care, nor do they have training in spirituality, but, even so, they understand that spirituality must be considered, as it positively impacts the palliation process. Conclusion: The research allowed us to conclude that spirituality contributes to the treatment of elderly patients in the process of terminal illness.