PERCEPÇÕES DOS PROFISSIONAIS DA SAÚDE SOBRE A MORTE DE PACIENTES.

The present study aimed to know the perceptions of health professionals about the death of patients. A descriptive and exploratory qualitative study was carried out. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews and observations. Seventeen doctors and nurses, who work in the emergency department at a teaching hospital in Rio Grande do Sul, were interviewed. The data obtained were submitted to triangulation based on content analysis. The results showed that defensive strategies are used to face situations considered stressful. Furthermore, the feelings raised are not elaborated by the professionals. It was concluded that defensive strategies are used when the death of patients occurs, but this does not reduce the suffering of professionals, so it is important that death is a topic of initial and continuing training among health professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]