Perioperatory care of the orthopaedic patient from the nursing team perspective

Abstract

Qualitative and descriptive study aimed to reveal the meaning of the orthopaedic patients' perioperative care developed by the nursing staff of a university hospital. Data was collected through recorded semi-structured interviews totalling 15 respondents, six nurses and nine nursing technicians. The analysis was supported in the procedures adopted by Martins and Bicudo and enabled the development of four thematic categories: 1) orthopaedic patient caring needs; 2) orthopaedic patient care; 3) meaning of care, 4) the self-care practiced by nursing staff. The results demonstrated appreciation of individual needs of patients at a biological, psychological, social, and spiritual level. Respondents reflected on the meaning of the polysemic word "care" through silence and doubt, and expressed meanings such as zeal, attention, concern and offering help to others. They considered the importance of self-care in their own lives for they believe it is necessary to know how to care for themselves first before caring for others.