Healthcare Students' Perceptions About Approaching Spirituality in Their Training and Patient Care: Online, Cross-Sectional Survey.

Objective: Recent scientific literature points out that religiosity and spirituality play a relevant role in many aspects of life, including health issues. We aimed to evaluate the healthcare students' perceptions about approaching spirituality in their training and patient care in Brazilian universities. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted following the STROBE guidelines. Through an anonymous online survey, adult healthcare students from two universities in the city of Pelotas (Brazil) answered a questionnaire about their perceptions on approaching spirituality in their training and patient care. Chi-squared tests were performed, and P ≤ .05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 163 students were included in the analysis. Most believed that spirituality is important for their training (74.8%) and patient care (84%). However, a minority had had contact with the theme of spirituality during their training (48.5%) or had experienced a situation in which the spiritual aspects of a patient were addressed (47.2%). The students from the private university had more contact with the theme of spirituality in healthcare during their training. Nursing students had significantly more contact with the theme of spirituality in healthcare (P = .008) and had experienced more situations in which the spiritual aspects of a patient were addressed (P = .031) than other students. Conclusion: Most students believed that the theme of spirituality in healthcare is important for their training and patient care. However, they still had insufficient contact with it during their education. More studies with greater statistical power are needed to better understand this situation globally.

CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND OUTCOMES OF PATIENTS WITH SEVERE COVID-19 AND CIRRHOSIS OR LIVER TRANSPLANT IN A BRAZILIAN QUATERNARY CENTER.

BACKGROUND: Specific associations between liver cirrhosis and liver transplant with poorer outcomes in COVID-19 are still not completely clear. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with severe COVID-19 and cirrhosis or liver transplant in Sao Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted in a quaternary hospital. Patients with COVID-19 and liver cirrhosis or liver transplant were selected. The clinical and demographic characteristics, as well as the outcomes, were assessed using electronic records. RESULTS: A total of 46 patients with COVID-19 and liver condition were included in the study. Patients with liver cirrhosis had significantly more endotracheal intubation and a higher relative risk of death than liver transplant recipients. Patients with higher MELD-Na scores had increased death rates and lower survival probability and survival time. CONCLUSION: Patients with liver cirrhosis, especially those with higher MELD-Na scores, had poorer outcomes in COVID-19. Liver transplant recipients do not seem to be linked to poorer COVID-19 outcomes.

Palliative Care in the state of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil): characteristics of the services.

This research explores the status of Palliative Care (PC) services in the state of Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil, by identifying the number of services and their respective characteristics. Through an observational, cross-sectional, descriptive, and quantitative approach, this study examines a textual and numerical database about professionals who provide palliative care assistance in Rio de Janeiro. Out of the existing palliative care services analyzed, fourteen were evaluated, twelve of which were located in the RJ metropolitan region. The majority of professionals worked with private funding within hospitals. The PC teams were most commonly composed of physicians, with only 17.1% of the professionals having formal PC training. Palliative Care services in Rio de Janeiro seem to follow a similar pattern to Brazil and Latin America. However, the characteristics of this pattern may not adequately address the significant needs of middle-income countries.

Aspectos demográficos e acesso aos projetos pedagógicos dos cursos de Medicina no Brasil / Demographic aspects and access to the pedagogical projects of medical courses in Brazil

Resumo: Introdução: A ampliação da educação superior no Brasil é recente. Na área médica, com o advento do Programa Mais Médicos, essa expansão tornou-se viável e culminou com a publicação de novas Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais (DCN) para o curso de graduação em Medicina. O projeto pedagógico do curso (PPC) traduz o que se realiza no curso e funciona como instrumento de comunicação entre a instituição e a sociedade. A análise dos PPC das instituições de ensino superior propicia a identificação de elementos que apontam para convergência ou se afastam do preconizado nas mudanças pretendidas pelas DCN de 2014. Objetivo: Este estudo descreve demograficamente no Brasil o número de cursos de Medicina públicos e privados por estado e região da Federação, o número de vagas disponíveis e o acesso aos PPC dessas escolas por meio de metodologia sistematizada. Método: Realizou-se um levantamento de todas as faculdades com curso de Medicina no Brasil, no ano de 2021. A procura dos PPC foi realizada no site institucional. Em caso de ausência da informação, encaminhamos mensagem eletrônica à coordenação do curso de Medicina. Na indisponibilidade de contato direto com a coordenação pelo site institucional, encaminhamos mensagem ao coordenador por meio do acesso ao seu Currículo Lattes. Resultado: Foram identificadas 336 escolas médicas, 115 (34,2%) públicas e 226 (65,8%) privadas. Observamos a maior concentração de cursos na Região Sudeste (41,3%), seguida da Região Nordeste (24,6%). Das instituições públicas, o Nordeste é a região que mais concentra as escolas (35,6%), seguida da Região Sudeste (26%). Quanto às instituições privadas, ocorre o inverso. Obteve-se um total de 134 PPC (39,8%), sendo 111 (83%) das escolas públicas e 23 (17%) das privadas. Conclusão: Embora a disponibilização do documento de informação pedagógica no site da instituição seja obrigatória, isso não foi verificado em realidade, o que corrobora a necessidade de políticas de valorização e fiscalização da disponibilidade do PPC para facilitar o seu acesso pelos maiores interessados: alunos, comunidade acadêmica e pesquisadores da área da educação médica.

Abstract Introduction: The expansion of higher education in Brazil is recent. In the medical field, with the advent of the "Mais Médicos" Program, this expansion became feasible and culminated with the publication of new National Curricular Guidelines (DCN, Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais) for undergraduate medical courses. The Pedagogical Course Project (PCP) translates what is accomplished in the course and works as an instrument of communication between the institution and society. The analysis of the PCPs of Higher Education Institutions provides the identification of elements that point to the convergence or move away from the changes proposed by the DCN 2014. Objective: To describe demographically in Brazil the number of public and private medical courses by state and region of the federation, the number of available vacancies, and access to the PCPs of these schools through a systematized methodology. Method: A study was carried out in all institutions with medical courses in Brazil by the year 2021. The search for the PCPs was carried out in the institutional website. In case of lack of information, an electronic message was sent to the medical course coordination. When it was not possible to contact the coordinator directly through the institutional website, a message was sent to the coordinator by accessing their curriculum lattes. Results: A total of 336 medical schools were identified, 115 (34.2%) of which were public and 226 (65.8%) private ones. A higher concentration of courses was observed in the southeast region (41.3%), followed by the northeast region (24.6%). Of the public institutions, the northeast region has the highest concentration of schools (35.6%), followed by the southeast region (26%). The opposite was observed regarding the private institutions. A total of 134 PCPs were obtained (39.8% of the total), 83% from public schools and 17% from private ones. Conclusion: Although the availability of the pedagogical information document on the institution's website is an obligation, this was not verified in reality, which makes it necessary to implement policies for valuing and monitoring PCP availability, thus facilitating its access by the most interested parties: students, the academic community and researchers in the field of medical education.

End-of-life use of antibiotics: a survey on how doctors decide.

OBJECTIVES: Infections are the main complications in terminal diseases. Many patients die using antibiotics, which raises questions about their real usefulness and role in unnecessary prolongation of suffering. This survey evaluated how doctors use antibiotics in palliative care. METHODS: From June to August of 2016, an online survey was conducted with 224 doctors who provide palliative care. They had to decide whether to initiate antibiotics in fictitious scenarios involving patients with suspected infections (urinary tract infection, pneumonia, sepsis) in end-of-life (from cancer, dementia, malignant stroke with sequelae, advanced COPD, multiple organ failure). Then, they had to decide whether to stop, maintain, or extend antibiotics after non-response in 72 hours. RESULTS: 88-100% of doctors decided to initiate antibiotics in all situations, except in advanced dementia (45%), and most of them decided to maintain/extend antibiotics inadequately. Factors associated with maintaining/extending antibiotics inadequately were: longer time since graduation (over 13 years; significant in all 7 clinical situations; OR range: 2.45-10.11), and not having formal specialization in palliative care (statistically significant in 3 of 7 situations). CONCLUSIONS: Most palliative care physicians in this study decided to initiate and maintain/extend antibiotics at the end-of-life.

Validity and reliability of the Brazilian version of the Patient Dignity Inventory (PDI - Br).

OBJECTIVE: to perform the psychometric validation of the Brazilian version of the Patient Dignity Inventory (PDI - Br) in patients with advanced diseases in palliative care. METHOD: a methodological study to verify the psychometric properties of the Patient Dignity Inventory (PDI - Br) instrument, through validity and reliability tests. RESULTS: the exploratory factor analysis showed a factorial solution with three factors, responsible for 40.9% of the explained variance, with adequate internal consistency for the Presence of Symptoms (α=0.859), Dependence (α=0.871), and Existential Suffering (α=0.759) domains. The test-retest was performed and indicated moderate to strong correlations. Convergent validity demonstrated a positive correlation between the Presence of Symptoms and the sadness (r=0.443) and anxiety (r=0.464) variables. Weak negative correlations were observed between the PDI - Br domains and functionality, spiritual well-being and quality of life. CONCLUSION: composed of three domains and 25 items, the PDI - Br instrument presented satisfactory psychometric properties for its use in our environment, through the evidence of validity and reliability.

Sentidos de vida e morte: reflexões de pacientes em cuidados paliativos / Sentidos de vida y muerte: reflexiones de pacientes en cuidados paliativos / Sens de la vie et de la mort: réflexions de patients en soins palliatifs / Meanings of life and death: reflections of patients in palliative care

Resumo Cuidados paliativos visam amenizar o sofrimento de pacientes com doenças crônicas e ameaçadoras da vida nas dimensões: física, social, psicológica e espiritual. Na dimensão espiritual, procura-se imbuir de sentido aspectos transcendentais, como vida e morte. Conhecer esses sentidos é o objetivo deste estudo, que se trata de pesquisa qualitativa de caráter exploratório e faz uso de entrevistas semiestruturadas para a coleta de dados e análise do discurso. Foram entrevistados quatro pacientes e identificadas três categorias de significado: recursos de enfrentamento relativos à finitude; sofrimentos relativos à finitude; sentidos atribuídos à vida e à morte. Percebeu-se como maior sofrimento não a finitude em si, mas o que decorre dela, como perda funcional, preocupação com a família e ameaça de valores. A dificuldade em se falar sobre a morte não necessariamente se encontra em si mesma, mas em identificar o sentido que ela tem para a pessoa e os sofrimentos subjacentes.

Resumen Los cuidados paliativos se proponen mitigar el sufrimiento de pacientes con enfermedades crónicas y amenazadoras de vida en cuatro dimensiones: física, social, psicológica y espiritual. En la dimensión espiritural se pretende llenar de sentido con aspectos trascendentales, como vida y muerte. Este estudio tiene como objetivo conocer estos sentidos. Para ello, se utilizó el método cualitativo de carácter exploratorio y aplicó entrevistas semiestructuradas para recopilar los datos y el análisis del discurso. Se entrevistaron a cuatro pacientes, y se identificó tres categorías de significado: recursos de afrontamiento relacionados con la finitud, sufrimientos relacionados con la finitud y sentidos atribuidos a la vida y la muerte. Se observó que el mayor sufrimiento no era la finitud en sí, sino lo que deriva de ella, como la pérdida funcional, la preocupación por la familia y la amenza de valores. La dificultad de hablar acerca de la muerte no reside necesariamente en sí misma, sino en identificar el sentido que tiene para la persona y los sufrimientos subyacentes.

Résumé Les soins palliatifs visent à soulanger les souffrances des patients atteints de maladies chroniques et potentiellement mortelles dans quatre domaines: physique, social, psychologique et spirituel. Ce dernier renvoie au sens que l'on peut donner à des aspects transcendants tels que la vie et la mort. Explorer ces différentes facettes est l'objective de cette étude. Il s'agit d'une recherche qualitative de nature exploratoire, menée à partir d'entretiens semi-directifs pour la collecte de données et l'analyse du discours. Quatre patients ont été interrogés et trois catégories de signification ont été identifiées: les ressources d'adaptation liées à la finitude, la souffrance associées à la finitude, et les sens attribué à la vie et à la mort. Il en ressort que la plus grande souffrance n'est pas l'idée de finitude en soi, mais ce qui en découle, comme la perte d'autonomie fonctionnelle, l'anxiété à l'égard de la famille et la remise en question des valeurs. La difficulté de parler de la mort ne réside cependant pas nécessairement dans le fait de parler de la mort elle-même, mais dans l'identification du sens qu'elle revêt pour la personne concernée et dans l'identification des souffrances sous-jacentes.

Abstract Palliative care seeks to alleviate the suffering of patients with chronic and life-threatening diseases in the physical, social, psychological and spiritual dimensions. In the spiritual dimension, it seeks to imbue transcendental aspects, such as life and death, with meaning. Knowing these senses is the objective of this study, which is a qualitative research of exploratory character, and uses semi-structured interviews for data collection and discourse analysis. Four patients were interviewed and three categories of meaning were identified: finitude coping resources; sufferings related to finitude; meanings attributed to life and death. We noticed the greater suffering was not the finitude itself, but what arises from it, such as functional loss, concern for the family and threat of values. The difficulty in talking about death is not necessarily in itself, but in identifying the meaning it has for the person and the underlying sufferings.

Validity and reliability of the Brazilian version of the Patient Dignity Inventory (PDI - Br) / Validade e confiabilidade da versão brasileira do Patient Dignity Inventory (PDI -Br) / Validez y confiabilidad de la versión brasileña del Patient Dignity Inventory (PDI - Br)

Objective: to perform the psychometric validation of the Brazilian version of the Patient Dignity Inventory (PDI - Br) in patients with advanced diseases in palliative care. Method: a methodological study to verify the psychometric properties of the Patient Dignity Inventory (PDI - Br) instrument, through validity and reliability tests. Results: the exploratory factor analysis showed a factorial solution with three factors, responsible for 40.9% of the explained variance, with adequate internal consistency for the Presence of Symptoms (α=0.859), Dependence (α=0.871), and Existential Suffering (α=0.759) domains. The test-retest was performed and indicated moderate to strong correlations. Convergent validity demonstrated a positive correlation between the Presence of Symptoms and the sadness (r=0.443) and anxiety (r=0.464) variables. Weak negative correlations were observed between the PDI - Br domains and functionality, spiritual well-being and quality of life. Conclusion: composed of three domains and 25 items, the PDI - Br instrument presented satisfactory psychometric properties for its use in our environment, through the evidence of validity and reliability.

Objetivo: realizar a validação psicométrica da versão brasileira do Patient Dignity Inventory (PDI - Br), em pacientes com doenças avançadas em cuidados paliativos. Método: estudo metodológico de verificação das propriedades psicométricas do instrumento Patient Dignity Inventory (PDI - Br), por meio de testes de validade e confiabilidade. Resultados: a análise fatorial exploratória mostrou solução fatorial com 3 fatores, responsáveis por 40,9% da variância explicada, com consistência interna adequada para os domínios Presença de Sintomas (α=0,859), Dependência (α=0,871) e Sofrimento Existencial (α=0,759). O teste-reteste foi realizado e indicou correlações moderadas a fortes. A validade convergente demonstrou correlação positiva entre a Presença de Sintomas e as variáveis de tristeza (r=0,443) e ansiedade (r=0,464). Foram observadas correlações negativas fracas entre os domínios do PDI-Br e a funcionalidade, o bem-estar espiritual e a qualidade de vida. Conclusão: o PDI-Br composto por três domínios e 25 itens apresentou propriedades psicométricas satisfatórias para o uso do instrumento em nosso meio, por meio das evidências de validade e confiabilidade.

Objetivo: realizar la validación psicométrica de la versión brasileña del Patient Dignity Inventory (PDI - Br) en pacientes con enfermedades avanzadas que reciben cuidados paliativos. Método: estudio metodológico de verificación de las propiedades psicométricas del instrumento Patient Dignity Inventory (PDI - Br), a través de tests de validez y confiabilidad. Resultados: el análisis factorial exploratorio mostró una solución factorial con 3 factores, que explican una varianza del 40,9%, con una consistencia interna adecuada para los dominios de Presencia de Síntomas (α=0,859), Dependencia (α=0,871) y Sufrimiento Existencial (α=0,759) Se realizó un test-retest que indicó correlaciones moderadas a fuertes. La validez convergente demostró una correlación positiva entre la Presencia de Síntomas y las variables de tristeza (r=0,443) y ansiedad (r=0,464). Se observaron correlaciones negativas débiles entre los dominios del PDI - Br y la funcionalidad, el bienestar espiritual y la calidad de vida. Conclusión: compuesto por tres dominios y 25 ítems, el PDI - Br presentó propiedades psicométricas satisfactorias a través de los resultados de validez y confiabilidad, que hacen adecuado el uso de este instrumento en nuestro medio.

Palliative care consultation team: symptom relief in first 48 hours of hospitalization.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the relief of symptoms provided by palliative care consultation team (PCCT) compared to the traditional care team (TC), in patients with advanced cancer in the first 48 hours of hospitalization. METHOD: Allocated to PCCT Group and TC Group, this study assessed 290 patients according to the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) within the first 48 hours of hospitalization. The main outcome was a minimum 2-point reduction in symptom intensity. RESULTS: At 48 hours, the PCCT Group had a 2-point reduction in the mean differences (p <0.001) in pain, nausea, dyspnea, and depression; and TC Group, on nausea and sleep impairment (p <0.001). Multiple Logistic Regression found for the PCCT Group a greater chance of pain relief (OR 2.34; CI 1.01-5.43; p = 0.049). CONCLUSION: There was superiority of the PCCT Group for pain relief, dyspnea and depression. There is a need for more studies that broaden the understanding of team modalities.

Palliative care consultation team: symptom relief in first 48 hours of hospitalization / Equipo interconsultor en cuidados paliativos: alivio de síntomas en las primeras 48 horas de hospitalización / Equipe interconsultora em cuidados paliativos: alívio de sintomas nas primeiras 48 horas de hospitalização

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the relief of symptoms provided by palliative care consultation team (PCCT) compared to the traditional care team (TC), in patients with advanced cancer in the first 48 hours of hospitalization. Method: Allocated to PCCT Group and TC Group, this study assessed 290 patients according to the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) within the first 48 hours of hospitalization. The main outcome was a minimum 2-point reduction in symptom intensity. Results: At 48 hours, the PCCT Group had a 2-point reduction in the mean differences (p <0.001) in pain, nausea, dyspnea, and depression; and TC Group, on nausea and sleep impairment (p <0.001). Multiple Logistic Regression found for the PCCT Group a greater chance of pain relief (OR 2.34; CI 1.01-5.43; p = 0.049). Conclusion: There was superiority of the PCCT Group for pain relief, dyspnea and depression. There is a need for more studies that broaden the understanding of team modalities.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Comparar el alivio de síntomas obtenido por equipo interconsultor en cuidados paliativos (ICP) al obtenido por equipo de cuidado tradicional (CT), en enfermos con cáncer avanzado en las primeras 48 horas de hospitalización. Método: Alocados en los Equipos ICP y Equipo CT, 290 pacientes han sido evaluados por la Escala de Síntomas de Edmonton (ESAS) en las primeras 48 horas de la hospitalización. El desenlace principal ha sido la reducción mínima de 2 puntos en la intensidad de síntomas. Resultados: En 48 horas, el Equipo ICP tuvo reducción de 2 puntos en las medias de las diferencias (p < 0,001) del dolor, náusea, disnea y depresión; y el Equipo CT, en la náusea y perjuicio del sueño (p < 0,001). Regresión Logística Múltiple mostró para el Equipo ICP mayor oportunidad de alivio del dolor (RC 2,34; CI 1,01-5,43; p = 0,049). Conclusión: Hubo superioridad del Equipo ICP para alivio del dolor, disnea y depresión. Estudios que amplíen la comprensión acerca de las modalidades de equipo son necesarios.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar o alívio de sintomas obtido por equipe interconsultora em cuidados paliativos (ICP) ao obtido por equipe de cuidado tradicional (CT), em doentes com câncer avançado nas primeiras 48 horas de hospitalização. Método: Alocados nos Grupos ICP e Grupo CT, 290 pacientes foram avaliados pela Escala de Sintomas de Edmonton (ESAS) nas primeiras 48 horas da hospitalização. O desfecho principal foi a redução mínima de 2 pontos na intensidade de sintomas. Resultados: Em 48 horas, o Grupo ICP teve redução de 2 pontos nas médias das diferenças (p < 0,001) da dor, náusea, dispneia e depressão; e o Grupo CT, na náusea e prejuízo do sono (p < 0,001). Regressão Logística Múltipla mostrou para o Grupo ICP maior chance de alívio da dor (RC 2,34; CI 1,01-5,43; p = 0,049). Conclusão: Houve superioridade do Grupo ICP para alívio da dor, dispneia e depressão. Estudos que ampliem a compreensão sobre modalidades de equipe são necessários.

Cuidados bucais em paciente com fibrose pulmonar idiopática sob cuidados paliativos. Relato de caso / Oral care in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patient in palliative care. Case report

A Fibrose Pulmonar Idiopática (FPI) é uma doença crônica do interstício pulmonar que se manifesta por fibrose progressiva com alta prevalência de insuficiência respiratória. Como toda doença crônica e progressiva, a FPI necessita de acompanhamento por uma equipe multiprofissional de Cuidados Paliativos (CP) a fim de proporcionar um cuidado integral, considerando todas as queixas e necessidades do paciente. Em uma enfermaria de CP de um hospital terciário, um paciente do sexo masculino, 77 anos, foi admitido por FPI avançada para controle de sintomas e cuidados de fim de vida. Durante a oroscopia realizada pela equipe, recebeu diagnóstico de candidíase oral, onde foi solicitada avaliação do cirurgião-dentista. Na avaliação odontológica, queixou-se de língua ressecada e perda do paladar. Paciente acamado, dispneico em repouso, em uso contínuo de máscara de venturi e lábios ressecados, com presença de placas brancas ressecadas (resíduos alimentares) em palato duro e mole, mucosa jugal e gengival, língua ressecada com saburra e hipossalivação. Foi realizada a higiene oral, prescrição de substituto salivar e hidratante labial. O procedimento foi longo e intermitente devido à dificuldade do paciente de se manter sem o suporte de oxigênio. Após o procedimento, o paciente relatou melhora de 90% dos sintomas bucais. Conclusão: O caso apresentou as alterações bucais e os cuidados odontológicos em um paciente com FPI e também evidenciou a importância da avaliação especializada realizada pelo cirurgião-dentista inserido em uma equipe multiprofissional em CP, que, além do diagnóstico diferencial, proporcionou alívio dos sintomas bucais e conforto ao paciente em sua fase final de vida

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic interstitial lung disease manifested by progressive fibrosis with a high prevalence of respiratory failure. As all chronic and progressive diseases, IPF needs follow-up by a multidisciplinary Palliative Care (PC) team in order to provide comprehensive care considering all patient's complaints and needs. In a PC inpatient unit of a tertiary hospital, a 77-year-old male patient was admitted because of advanced IPF for symptom control and end-of-life care. During the oroscopy done by the team, he was diagnosed with oral candidiasis, where evaluation by the dentist was requested. In the dental evaluation, he complained of dry tongue and taste loss. Bedridden patient, dyspnea at rest, in continuous use of venturi mask and dry lips, dry white plaques (food residues) in hard and soft palate, jugal and gingival mucosa, dry tongue with oral coating and hyposalivation. Oral hygiene was performed, salivary substitute and lip moisturizer were prescribed. The procedure was long and intermittent due to the difficulty of the patient with staying without oxygen support. After the procedure, the patient reported 90% improvement in oral symptoms. Conclusion: The case showed the oral disorders and dental care in a patient with IPF and highlighted the importance of specialized evaluation performed by the dentist inserted in a multidisciplinary PC team which, besides the differential diagnosis, provided symptom relief of the mouth and comfort to the patient in his end of life

Widow's perception of their marital relationship and its influence on their restoration-oriented everyday occupations in the first six months after the death of the spouse: A thematic analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The death of a spouse greatly affects the survivor's emotions and may change one's everyday occupations, especially during recent bereavement. Considering the centrality of everyday occupations to occupational therapy practice, this research aimed to understand women's restoration-oriented everyday occupations within the first six months after the death of their spouse. METHODS: This was a qualitative thematic analysis that applied a realistic method and a theoretical approach at the semantic level. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to understand the everyday occupations of widows after their husbands' deaths, emphasising those that were restoration-oriented, according to the dual process model of coping with bereavement framework. The analysis was conducted according to the phases expected to be conducted during a thematic analysis. RESULTS: Fourteen widows with long-term marital relationships participated in this research. Their perceptions concerning their relationships with their spouses were an important aspect that influenced their everyday occupations. Women who qualitatively described their marital relationships in terms of attributes grouped by the researcher as lost and lonely also mentioned difficulty managing previously habitual occupations and changes in the meanings assigned to some of those occupations. These women mobilised unique strategies to address suffering and occupational changes during bereavement. Women who qualitatively described their relationships with attributes grouped by the researcher as free at last felt freedom after their husbands' deaths, which, according to the widows, brought happiness and feelings of peace and enabled them to engage in freely chosen occupations and to broaden their social networks. CONCLUSION: Everyday occupations and their meanings can considerably change during widowhood. This study contributes to comprehending the uniqueness of responses to loss.

Sentimentos de Pacientes em Cuidados Paliativos sobre Modificações Corporais Ocasionadas pelo Câncer / Feelings of Patients in Palliative Care about Corporal Modifications Caused by Cancer / Sentimientos de Pacientes en Cuidados Paliativos sobre Modificaciones Corporales Ocasionadas por el Cáncer

Atualmente verifica-se uma alteração no perfil de morbimortalidade brasileiro. Diminuem as mortes por doenças infectocontagiosas e aumentam as mortes por doenças crônico-degenerativas, como o câncer. O diagnóstico de câncer representa a possibilidade de morte, que para alguns configura-se como realidade, não sendo raro que pacientes oncológicos estejam sob Cuidados Paliativos (CP). CP são uma abordagem que busca melhorar a qualidade de vida de pacientes e famílias que enfrentam uma doença ameaçadora da vida. Adoecimento e tratamento oncológico trazem intensa mudança no corpo e vida do paciente. Considerando que tais modificações podem ser causa de sofrimento, este estudo investiga efeitos psicológicos das modificações corporais decorrentes do adoecimento oncológico em pacientes sob CP. Tratasse de uma pesquisa exploratória de caráter qualitativo. Foram entrevistados quatro pacientes com diagnóstico de câncer internados numa enfermaria de CP. As entrevistas foram gravadas e transcritas, a análise dos dados baseou-se na análise do discurso. O discurso dos sujeitos evidencia que as mudanças corporais são potenciais geradoras de sofrimento, configurando-se também como disparadores para o tema da finitude. O estigma negativo ligado ao câncer também aparece, sendo que os CP recebidos contribuíram para o resgate da subjetividade dos entrevistados. Assim, este estudo sugere que a vivência do câncer no corpo repercute numa perda para além da física, numa perda de si. Sendo que, a incorporação das modificações corporais possibilita a reconstrução da visão que o paciente tem de si e este processo é facilitado pelo encontro intersubjetivo do paciente com os profissionais que cuidam singularmente dele....(AU)

In recent decades, Brazil has been changing its morbidity and mortality profile. In this transition, mortality from infectious diseases declined followed by an increase of deaths due to chronic-degenerative diseases, such as cancer. The diagnosis of cancer represents the possibility of death, which for some people really occurs, and it is not uncommon for cancer patients to be under Palliative Care. PC is an approach that seeks to improve the quality of life of patients and families facing a life-threatening illness. Sickness and oncological treatment bring intense change in the body and life of patients. Considering that such modifications may cause suffering, this study aims to investigate the psychological effects of the corporal modifications resulting from the oncologic illness in patients under PC. In this exploratory qualitative research, four patients diagnosed with cancer hospitalized in a PC ward of a public hospital in São Paulo were interviewed. The interviews were recorded and transcribed; data analysis was based on discourse analysis. Subjects' discourse shows that the corporal changes are potential generators of suffering, also configuring as triggers for the theme of finitude. The negative stigma associated with cancer also appears in the participants' discourse, and the care received contributed to the recovery of the subjectivity of the patients. Thus, this study suggests that the experience of cancer in the body extends beyond the physical body loss, to a loss of the self. Moreover, the incorporation of corporal modifications allows the reconstruction of the patient's view of himself and this process is facilitated by the intersubjective encounter of the patient with the professionals who care for him singularly....(AU)

In recent decades, Brazil has been changing its morbidity and mortality profile. In this transition, mortality from infectious diseases declined followed by an increase of deaths due to chronic-degenerative diseases, such as cancer. The diagnosis of cancer represents the possibility of death, which for some people really occurs, and it is not uncommon for cancer patients to be under Palliative Care. PC is an approach that seeks to improve the quality of life of patients and families facing a life-threatening illness. Sickness and oncological treatment bring intense change in the body and life of patients. Considering that such modifications may cause suffering, this study aims to investigate the psychological effects of the corporal modifications resulting from the oncologic illness in patients under PC. In this exploratory qualitative research, four patients diagnosed with cancer hospitalized in a PC ward of a public hospital in São Paulo were interviewed. The interviews were recorded and transcribed; data analysis was based on discourse analysis. Subjects' discourse shows that the corporal changes are potential generators of suffering, also configuring as triggers for the theme of finitude. The negative stigma associated with cancer also appears in the participants' discourse, and the care received contributed to the recovery of the subjectivity of the patients. Thus, this study suggests that the experience of cancer in the body extends beyond the physical body loss, to a loss of the self. Moreover, the incorporation of corporal modifications allows the reconstruction of the patient's view of himself and this process is facilitated by the intersubjective encounter of the patient with the professionals who care for him singularly....(AU)

Perception of dignity of patients in palliative care / Percepción de los pacientes en cuidados paliativos con respecto a la dignidad / Percepção de dignidade de pacientes em cuidados paliativos

ABSTRACT Objective: to understand the perception of dignity of patients in palliative care and to identify factors that may increase or decrease the sense of dignity. Method: an exploratory study with a qualitative approach, carried in a Palliative Care Center in São Paulo (Brazil), with the Chochinov's Dignity Model as theoretical framework and content analysis as methodological framework. The participants of this study were 20 patients in palliative care, assessed through semi-structured interviews based on three questions: "What is dignity for you?", "What increases your dignity?", "What decreases your dignity?" The interviews were recorded with the patients' authorization, from September to November 2017, and transcribed for content analysis. Results: the analysis of the perception of dignity allowed the identification of three categories: Correct person, Autonomy/independence and Socio-political factors. The factors that increased the sense of dignity were the following: Care, Independence/autonomy, Leisure/positive thinking/being with friends. And those that decreased it were the following: Behaviors/attitudes, Health status and Economic situation. Conclusion: the perception of dignity of patients in palliative care was influenced by health professionals and caregivers. Being a "correct person", maintaining autonomy, being cared for and respected has increased the sense of dignity. Urban violence and the lack of compliance with accessibility policies have reduced the sense of dignity among palliative care patients.

RESUMEN Objetivo: comprender la percepción de los pacientes en cuidados paliativos con respecto a la dignidad e identificar los factores que pueden aumentar o disminuir la sensación de dignidad. Método: estudio exploratorio con abordaje cualitativo, realizado en un Centro de Cuidados Paliativos en São Paulo (Brasil) cuyo referencial teórico fue el Modelo de Dignidad de Chochinov y en el que se utilizó el análisis de contenido como referencial metodológico. Los participantes de este estudio fueron 20 pacientes en cuidados paliativos, evaluados por medio de una entrevista semiestructurada basada en tres preguntas: "¿Qué significa la dignidad para usted?", "¿Qué aumenta su nivel de dignidad?" y "¿Qué disminuye su nivel de dignidad?". Las entrevistas se grabaron con la autorización de los pacientes, durante el período de septiembre a noviembre de 2017, y se las transcribió para realizar el análisis de contenido. Resultados: el análisis de la percepción de la dignidad permitió identificar tres categorías: Persona correcta, Autonomía/independencia y Factores sociopolíticos. Los factores que aumentaron la sensación de dignidad fueron los siguientes: Cuidado, Independencia/autonomía, Tiempo libre/pensamiento positivo/estar con amigos. Y los que la disminuyeron fueron los siguientes: Comportamientos/actitudes, Estado de salud y Situación económica. Conclusión: la percepción de los pacientes en cuidados paliativos con respecto a la dignidad se vio influenciada por los profesionales de la salud y por los cuidadores. Ser una "persona correcta", mantener la autonomía, ser cuidado e tener respeto aumentaron la sensación de dignidad. La violencia urbana y la ausencia del cumplimiento de políticas de accesibilidad disminuyeron la sensación de dignidad entre los pacientes en cuidados paliativos.

RESUMO Objetivo: compreender a percepção de dignidade de pacientes em cuidados paliativos e identificar os fatores que podem aumentar ou diminuir o senso de dignidade. Método: estudo exploratório com abordagem qualitativa, realizado em um Núcleo de Cuidados Paliativos de São Paulo (Brasil), cujo referencial teórico foi o Modelo de Dignidade de Chochinov e o referencial metodológico, a análise de conteúdo. Os participantes deste estudo foram 20 pacientes em cuidados paliativos, avaliados por meio de entrevista semiestruturada baseada em três questões: "O que é dignidade para você?", "O que aumenta sua dignidade?", "O que diminui sua dignidade?". As entrevistas foram gravadas com autorização dos pacientes, no período de setembro a novembro de 2017, e transcritas para análise de conteúdo. Resultados: a análise da percepção de dignidade permitiu a identificação de três categorias: Pessoa correta, Autonomia/independência e Fatores sociopolíticos. Os fatores que aumentaram o senso de dignidade foram: Cuidado, Independência/autonomia, Lazer/pensar positivo/estar com os amigos e os que diminuíram foram: Comportamentos/atitudes, Estado de saúde e Situação econômica. Conclusão: a percepção de dignidade de pacientes em cuidados paliativos foi influenciada por profissionais de saúde e cuidadores. Ser uma pessoa correta, manter a autonomia, ser cuidado e ter respeito aumentaram o senso de dignidade. A violência urbana e a ausência do cumprimento de políticas de acessibilidade reduziram o senso de dignidade entre os pacientes em cuidados paliativos.