Conflito de interesses: NãoContribuição dos autores: MEPN delineamento do estudo, coleta, tabulação, redação do manuscrito, revisão crítica. LMG orientação do projeto, delinea-mento do estudo, discussão dos achados, elaboração do manuscrito, revisão crítica.
Contato para correspondência: Maria Emília Pereira Nunes
Abstract
Introduction:Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is a facility related to the imminent risk of death. The constant presence of family members is considered a form of support for patient recovery. However, the ICU has the characteristic of being a closed unit, with restricted visitation. Objective: To know the perception of family members regarding patients' visitors and the rules in Intensive Care Unit. Patients and Methods: This is a qualitative field research. We conducted semi-structured interviews from October to November 2014 involving ten relatives of patients who were hospitalized in the ICU Adult General. Individual interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed according to thematic content analysis of Bardin. Results: The visit was perceived as a source of support to the patient. It also contributed to the improvement of the emotional state of the family member. It was observed that feelings, such as fear, anguish, and tranquility emerged from the visit. The study also showed interference between the relationship with health professionals, and the assessment family members make about the visit itself. Rules for patient visits were indicated as strictly necessary. However, a greater flexibility of these rules was considered relevant in special situations. Conclusion: Both, patients' visits and ICU rules were perceived as important by family members. Nonetheless, it is emphasized that not everyone is prepared to the visit and that the team can assist them in this process.