Avaliação da Sobrecarga Laboral de Cuidadores de Pacientes Sob Cuidados Paliativos

Abstract

Introduction: Population aging and the rise of chronic degenerative diseases pose challenges to healthcare systems, particularly in the provision of palliative care. In this context, caregivers play a fundamental role, often without adequate technical training or institutional support, resulting in emotional and physical overload. Objectives: To assess the factors that contribute to caregiver burden in the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte, MG, and how this affects their quality of life and the care provided to patients. Methods: This is a qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory study, conducted through interviews with seven formal and informal PCs. The "snowball" sampling technique was used to understand the participants' lived experience. Results: Results revealed three thematic categories: the emotional and physical overload of the work; lack of institutional support and invisibility of the caregiver; and personal coping strategies and emotional strengthening. Conclusion: The participants' accounts show a consistent presence of signs of physical and emotional overload, even in the face of individual strategies employed to cope with the demands of caregiving. The findings reinforce the urgent need to expand research on this topic, as well as to formulate and implement public policies that recognize the centrality of the caregiver in the care process, ensuring institutional support, qualified care, and adequate conditions for the exercise of caregiving

Descriptors: Caregivers; Caregiver burden; Palliative care; Psychological Stress; Mental Health.