FAMILY CARE AFTER ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

Abstract

Objective: To describe the care provided by families of patients after acute Myocardial Infarction. Method: Qualitative and exploratory study performed with six families between February and May of 2012. Interviews with the families were performed for data collection. The thematic analysis involved three steps: pre-analysis, material exploration, processing and interpretation of results. Results: Family care was organized in two categories: Family care as protection and family care as control. It could be observed that both types of care occur, often times, simultaneously, thus providing protection and control. Furthermore, it can be stated that, within the family care, there are several ways to perform the care, making it multifaceted. Conclusion: Family care after acute myocardial infarction can be described as controlling but mostly protecting. From these results, new ways are outlined for Nursing and other health professions, providing a deeper understanding of family care and its variations