Workers without social security and surgical experience: a contribution from nursing - doi: 10.4025/cienccuidsaude.v11i2.14931

Abstract

Undergoing surgery has great repercussions in patients’ lives, particularly if they are experiencing hardships from work instability and worsening conditions. Thus, the objective of the present study was to identify the effects on workers without social security needing to undergo elective surgery, and analyze the conveniences and difficulties those workers experience during the perioperative period. The study took a qualitative and descriptive approach, conducted in surgical wards from a University Hospital in Rio de Janeiro. Subjects were 10 clients under the “without social security” condition. The instrument was a semi-structured interview and the data were treated by means of content analysis. Thus, the method chosen met fifteen (15) Registration Units (RUs), which were grouped into 2 (two) categories: "The meaning of surgical experience and its impact" and "The uncertainties of surgical experience and coping". It was found that surgical experience has psychological and socio-financial repercussions, causing difficulties such as removal from work activities, resulting in financial loss. It was felt that the situation is complex and requires conduct comprising guidance and referral to other professionals.