A VIVÊNCIA DO ESTRESSE PROFISSIONAL NA UNIDADE DE TERAPIA INTENSIVA: VOZES DE PROFISSIONAIS DE SAÚDE NO PARÁ.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to understand the experience of professional stress in intensive care units of a reference hospital, to identify key factors that contribute to occupational stress and identify the subjective impact of the sources of stress on the professional and his work. This is a qualitative research, whose methodological framework was Grounded Theory, developed in a referral hospital in the city of Belém, Pará, Brazil. Participants were nineteen health professionals who worked in various intensive care units, including four in the adult intensive care unit, four in pediatric, neonatal five and six in the coronary care unit, with three psychologists, eight nurses and eight physiotherapists. In-depth interviews were conducted, guided by the question: What is the relationship between the experience of professional stress and the care in the Intensive Care Units? From that question were explored stressors which are relevant in this environment. Data analysis was performed using open encoding processes, and axially focused. Three different samples featuring theoretical sampling were formed. The Theory emerging Substantive was called "Living the professional stress in the intensive care environment" which was supported by the following categories "Environmental Stressors", "Working Conditions" and "Emotional Experience" interconnected stressors in the care unit in the environment Intensive Care. The environmental conditions (inadequate physical plant, noise and temperature) were major stress sources. The structural deficits (insufficient securities, low pay, workload and lack of inputs) and the duty cycle (problems with professional commitment and collection among professionals) had a major impact on working conditions. Together, all these elements influenced the emotional experience marked by power relations, ineffective communication, personal involvement with the patient, concern about the competence and job satisfaction. This theoretical model identified the various factors associated with physical and emotional exhaustion and let these professionals vulnerable to occupational stress. The balance comes just represent obtaining the desire of satisfaction using the most rational use of available resources. Knowing that the total satisfaction will never be achieved but that reaching this balance point all members of this team will be motivated by a sense of belonging, a characteristic that will lead to happiness as a member of a whole which is completed and try to work in harmony.