Palliative care and mourning: the understanding of medical residents

Abstract

Objective: Investigating the understanding of medical residents about palliative care and mourning. Method: an exploratory study with a qualitative approach, conducted in august 2013 with 18 residents of a university hospital in the city of João Pessoa / Paraiba / Brazil. To enable the collection of data, was used an instrument containing relevant questions to the study objective. The analysis was performed using the Technique of Content Analysis. Results: From the analysis of the empirical material, two categories emerged: "Care that can provide relief of pain and suffering with an emphasis on the quality of life and promotion of dignity" and "Mourning is the feeling of loss on the death of a loved dear". Conclusion: It is considerable that the study demonstrated the understanding of resident physicians about palliative care and mourning, and support further researches on the theme.