O psicólogo como mediador do processo de humanização em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva

Abstract

The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) environment, characterized by high technical complexity and intense emotional distress, presents significant challenges for patients, families, and healthcare professionals. Although the National Humanization Policy (PNH) emphasizes comprehensive care, the biomedical model still predominates, often neglecting the subjective dimension of care. This monograph aimed to investigate the role of psychologists as facilitators of humanization in ICUs by analyzing intervention strategies and their impacts. An integrative qualitative review was conducted across databases (BDTD, PubMed, EBSCOhost, BVS) using the descriptors "Hospital Psychology," "Humanization," and "Intensive Care Unit," with content analysis of the 14 selected articles (2019–2024). The results revealed six main areas of psychological intervention: communication mediation (71.4% of studies), emotional support (50%), palliative care (35.7%), staff training (42.9%), institutional interventions (28.6%), and post-discharge support (21.4%). The most effective strategies included humanized communication, flexible visitation policies, educational programs, and environmental interventions. It was concluded that psychologists play a fundamental role in humanizing ICUs, acting as mediators between the technical and emotional dimensions of care, with significant impacts on the well-being of patients, families, and staff. Greater integration of psychologists in ICUs and the development of standardized protocols for systematic evaluation of interventions are recommended.