Meanings of support group for family members in the neonatal intensive care unit

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the meaning that family members of newborns admitted to the Neonatal ICU attribute to the Support Group. METHODS: This is a descriptive-exploratory study with a qualitative approach, developed at the unit of a public hospital. Seven family members of newborns admitted to the unit participated. Data were collected in 2017 through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Bardin's Content Analysis. RESULTS: Two categories emerged, namely: Support Group as an emotional support scenario for family members in the unit and Support Group as an information scenario for family members in the unit. The Group meant a scenario of support and care for the family in the unit, in the form of emotional support associated with the formation of bonds and information support, emerging as an excellent support tool for its members. CONCLUSION: the Support group was configured as a space of care and support for family members, through the sharing of experiences, established bonds and information offered, obtaining a positive effect on the process of hospitalization of patients and their families, solidifying the humanization among health professionals.