Vivências da família do doente crítico: um estudo qualitativo

Introduction: The family is an extension of the patient, it is a target of care by the Nursing team, so it is necessary the development of interventions by the professionals in this context. Aim: Identify the main feelings of the Family of the Critically ill in hospitalization. Materials and Methods: This qualitative study was developed in a Unit of Intermediate Care Polyvalent, using a convenience sample of four participants, who were the target of a structured interview. Results: It has been found that the main feelings of the Family of the Critically ill in hospitalization are anxiety, stress, sadness, need for support and closeness of the patient, uncertainty about the change caused in family life and fear. However, although they are experiencing all these feelings, it is verified that the family considered everything related with the patient more important than in relation to itself, where there is evidence of sadness, anxiety and revolt with the situation. Conclusion: Thus, this shows a low or absent awareness of the family to the fact that they are also a target for health professionals.