Desafios no cuidado e sobrecarga dos acompanhantes de pacientes hospitalizados: um estudo piloto.

Abstract

Objectives: To analyze the challenges faced and the burden experienced by caregivers during the hospitalization of patients. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive, and observational study, classified as a pilot study. The research was conducted with 30 caregivers of hospitalized patients in a high-complexity hospital in Teresina, Piauí, Brazil. Data were collected through a questionnaire designed to assess caregiver burden, along with the collection of sociodemographic profiles of the participants. The data were stored and organized using Microsoft Excel spreadsheets (Version 2505 Build 16.0.18827.20102, 64-bit) and analyzed using the R statistical software. Results: The sample consisted of 30 caregivers, predominantly women (73%) with low educational and income levels. Most caregivers remained with the patient 24 hours a day during hospitalization, primarily performing tasks such as hygiene, feeding, and dressing changes. Although communication and support from the healthcare team were positively evaluated, dissatisfaction with the physical environment was reported. Women tended to provide care for longer periods, although no significant differences in burden were found between genders. Final considerations: The study showed that the role of hospital caregivers involves challenges that go beyond mere presence, requiring continuous physical and emotional effort. The predominance of female caregivers reinforces sociocultural patterns related to caregiving roles. Despite the positive evaluation of the healthcare team, structural limitations and lack of adequate support contributed to caregiver burden. As a pilot study, the research allowed for testing the data collection instrument and identifying key aspects to be explored in future studies, emphasizing the need for further research with larger and more representative samples.