A saúde mental dos profissionais de um Hospital Público em São Luís-MA no contexto da pandemia do Covid-19

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the occurrence of psychological distress, including mental disorders, among health professionals in the ICU of a public hospital in São Luís, Maranhão, in the COVID-19 pandemic context, and its association with the processes work, based on the perception of those involved. The research consisted of a single case study that addressed, through qualitative analysis methods and techniques, the understanding of signs and symptoms and changes in quality of life and work processes. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews with professionals from this ICU, which were transcribed and submitted to content analysis of the professionals' speeches. The research results highlighted a context of health crisis of an international nature, with its local characteristics of exponential increase in cases and deaths, supply of beds disproportionate to needs, lack of protective equipment and supplies, technical and management unpreparedness to face the crisis, emergency changes to processes work and environments. The scenario of fear, insecurities, uncertainties, and psychological suffering complement the picture of adversities that characterize this context. A set of apparently contradictory situations and experiences were found that show traumas and psychological symptoms in the face of the imminent risk of dying, infecting, and killing loved ones, somatizations, prolonged mourning, continuous stress, difficulties in “slowing down”, problems with sleeping and eating, depressive symptoms and anxiety disorders. The interviewees recognize that these experiences interfere with the work process and quality of life, within the ICU and in other spaces in which they operate. Interpersonal conflicts, professional dissatisfaction, communication problems between professionals and managers, and weaknesses in the continuing education process also contribute significantly to the dramatic situation that makes caregivers simultaneously agents and objects of care.