A experiência da pré-eclâmpsia vivenciada por gestantes e profissionais de saúde

Abstract

The aim of this study is to understand the perceptions of pregnant women, mothers and health professional about preeclampsia and the relation between professional and patient. A qualitative approach was chosen, together with semi-structured interviews, participative observation and Test of Free Association of Words (TFAW). The data were collected in February and June 2007 at Maternidade-Escola Januário Cicco (MEJC), Natal, RN, Brazil with 61 pregnant women and 87 professionals, 20 of each group were interviewed. An interpretative and understanding perspective was used similar to that of Gadamer s hermeneutics and with the construction of themes and empirical categories. The pregnant women showed fear preeclampsia and its consequences, and to know very little about the subject and also a desire to know more. The changes that occurred with the illness were more related to the emotional order than to the healthy lifestyle they have adopted. Some lack of preparation of the basic units was observed, in order to meet and guide the pregnant women to the reference unit. Professionals knew the customers characteristics, about their fear and about their little knowledge on this illness. Nevertheless, they did not include them in the treatment. It was observed the absence of conversation over the illness between professionals and patients and also the inability of the former to deal with emotional issues. A new way of looking into the preeclampsia assistance is necessary. A way that focuses on the collective construction of intervention and approach strategies; one which includes subjective aspects in an hermeneutic perspective of health