Pandemia de Covid-19 no ambiente de trabalho: perspectiva de profissionais da assistência obstétrica

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the experiences of health professionals who worked in obstetric care during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to reports from health professionals. The research question was: what are the experiences of health professionals who worked in obstetric care during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to reports by health professionals in obstetric care? Method: qualitative research carried out with managers, physicians, nurses, residents and nursing technicians working in sectors (prenatal outpatient clinic, obstetric emergency, delivery center and obstetric hospitalization) of a highly complex federal public hospital in Northeast Brazil, from December 2020 to August 2021. The intentional sample was closed by the sense saturation criterion. A structured questionnaire and a semi-structured script were used for individual, recorded and transcribed interviews. Content analysis was used in the thematic modality. Results: 28 professionals were interviewed. The results were presented in the form of articles. Changes in the dynamics of obstetric care were identified. In prenatal care, there was a decrease in elective consultations; increased time between appointments; delay in service due to gowning; implementation of new hygiene protocols; limiting the number of companions; creation of new environments for symptomatic pregnant women; implementation of teleassistance and an increase in unmet demand in Primary Health Care. In childbirth/puerperium, reports pointed to a reduction in the number of beds; testing and isolation of symptomatic patients; limitation of walking, restriction of companions and mandatory use of a mask by the parturient. Changes in the dynamics of professional relationships in obstetric care during the covid-19 pandemic were categorized into: “Conflicts, insecurities and work overload” and “Cooperation, empathy and solidarity”. The first category analyzes the impact of the pandemic on the work environment based on the lack of knowledge about the disease and the illness of professionals and dissatisfaction with the perception of lack of institutional support for professionals. in the midst of so many changes in hospital organization. Conclusion: the pandemic caused the restructuring of services and the creation of spaces for patients with Covid-19, causing a reduction in the number of vacancies for prenatal and postpartum care. These changes were accompanied by new attendance rules. There were conflicts between professionals, as they saw themselves susceptible to contamination and overloaded with work, however, there was also cooperation, motivated by a feeling of identification that united them. Therefore, this work makes contributions to health research, as it enables the understanding of the effects of the pandemic on obstetric care during the covid-19 pandemic and identifies evidence that can support future decisions to mitigate the impacts of health crises on professional relationships, favoring adequate working conditions for health professionals and thus, better care for the population.