HUMANIZED CARE IN THE ICU: CHALLENGES FROM THE VIEWPOINT OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS CUIDADO HUMANIZADO EM UTI: DESAFIOS NA VISÃO DOS PROFISSIONAIS DE SAÚDE

Objective: To investigate the difficulties faced to the care humanization from the viewpoint of ICU health professionals. Method: Data collection was performed on January 2012, by means of a semi-structured questionnaire, in the ICU of a public institution from the city of Imperatriz/MA/Brazil. The qualitative analysis was conducted according to Minayo. Results: Professionals have defined care humanization as having respect for the patient and watch it as a whole through a holistic gaze. The pointed difficulties were: work overload, low income, scarce resources, lack of continuing education and the relationship with family members. The interviewees believe that a humanized care significantly contributes to the recovery of the critical patient. Conclusion: It is necessary having an increased commitment of the managers and the stakeholders to overcome existing challenges and, thus, providing a more humane and warm care to the users. Descriptors: Care humanization, Intensive care units, Health professionals.