Estratégias para o acolhimento dos familiares dos pacientes na unidade de terapia intensiva / Strategies for the reception of relatives of patients in the intensive care unit / Estrategias para la recepción de los familiares de los pacientes en la unidad de terapia intensiva
This is a qualitative study conducted in the intensive care unit (ICU) in a public hospital in Southern Brazil. It aimed at identifying the nurses strategies implemented in their relation with family members of patients interned in that unit. Data collection was held in July, 2008, with the participation of six nurses on the basis of a semi-structured interview and observation. For analysis, the collective subject discourse was used as a methodological framework. Results originated three discourses family welcome upon admission; telephone contacts with relatives; and dialogic relationship upon visits. Among the adopted strategies, the following stand out preparing the relative to enter the unit; telephonereporting of aggravation in clinical condition and of discharge; offering availability at bedside for addressing questions during the visit.