ABSTRACT
La adecuación del esfuerzo terapéutico reemplaza la expresión limitación terapéutica y se define como la decisión de no iniciar medidas diagnósticas y terapéuticas o de suspenderlas en respuesta a la condición del paciente, para evitar conductas potencialmente inapropiadas y redireccionar los objetivos de tratamiento hacia el confort y el bienestar. En la población pediátrica, esta decisión es aún más desafiante debido a la naturaleza de la relación médico-paciente-familia y a la escasez de guías que orienten su implementación. La adecuación del esfuerzo terapéutico está enmarcada en principios éticos y legales, pero existen diversos retos a nivel práctico. Cada proceso de adecuación es único y dinámico, y debe abordarse contemplando a quién realizarlo, cuándo, cómo y con qué medidas.
The term "therapeutic limitation" has been replaced by "adequacy of therapeutic effort" and is defined as the decision to withhold or withdraw diagnostic and therapeutic measures in response to the patient's condition, avoiding potentially inappropriate behaviors and redirectong treatment goals towards comfort and well-being. In the pediatric population, this decision is even more challenging given the nature of the physician-patient-family relationship and the paucity of guidelines to address treatment goals. The adequacy of therapeutic effort is framed by ethical and legal principles, but, in practice, there are several challenges. Each adequacy process is unique and dynamic, and should be addressed by taking into account with what measures, how, when, and in whom it should be implemented
Subject(s)
Humans , Physician-Patient Relations , Withholding Treatment , Decision MakingABSTRACT
Introducción: durante la pandemia de COVID-19 hubo un auge sin precedentes de la telemedicina, probablemente por la forzada adopción de tecnología ante las medidas restrictivas. El presente estudio se propuso comparar la interacción y la comunicación entre médicos de cabecera (MC) y pacientes, antes y durante el período de pandemia, en términos de consultas ambulatorias programadas y mensajes del Portal de Salud. Materiales y métodos: corte transversal con muestreo consecutivo de turnos programados y mensajes, ocurridos entre las semanas epidemiológicas (SE) 10 y 23, de 2019 y 2020, respectivamente. Se incluyeron 147 médicos del Servicio de Medicina Familiar y Comunitaria, y una cápita de 73 427 pacientes afiliados al Plan de Salud del Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. Se realizó análisis cuantitativo y cualitativo. Resultados: hubo una reducción del 70% de las consultas presenciales (de 76 375 en 2019 a 23 200 en 2020) y un aumento concomitante de teleconsultas (de 255 en la SE13 a 1089 en la SE23). En simultáneo, los mensajes aumentaron sustancialmente (de 28 601 en 2019 a 84 916 en 2020), con un inicio abrupto al comienzo del confinamiento, y una tendencia decreciente a lo largo del tiempo. Antes de la pandemia, el contenido estuvo relacionado con órdenes electrónicas de estudios complementarios, control de resultados, recetas de medicación crónica y/o interconsultas a especialistas, mientras que los dominios más frecuentes durante la pandemia fueron necesidades informativas epidemiológicas, como medidas preventivas para COVID-19, vacuna antineumocócica, vacuna antigripal, casos o sospechas, resultados de hisopados, entre otras. Conclusión: el auge de las tecnologías de la comunicación e información durante la pandemia permitió dar continuidad a los procesos asistenciales en salud pese al distanciamiento físico. Hubo mayor utilización de mensajería por necesidades informativas de los pacientes, y la relación médico-paciente se ha modificado. (AU)
Introduction: during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an unprecedented boom in telemedicine, probably due to the forced adoption of technology in the face of restrictive measures. This study aimed to compare the interaction and communication between general practitioners and patients before and during the pandemic based on scheduled outpatient consultations and Health Portal messages. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study with a consecutive sampling of scheduled appointments and messages, occurring between epidemiological weeks (EW) 10 and 23 of 2019 and 2020, respectively. We included 147 physicians from the Family and Community Medicine Service and a capita of 73427 patients affiliated with the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires health plan. We conducted a quantitative and qualitative analysis. Results: there was a 70% reduction in face-to-face consultations (from 76375 in 2019 to 23200 in 2020) and a concomitant increase in teleconsultations (from 255 in EW13 to 1089 in EW23). Concurrently, messages increased substantially (from 28601 in 2019 to 84916 in 2020), with an abrupt onset at the beginning of confinement and a decreasing trend over time. Before the pandemic, the content involved electronic orders for complementary studies, outcome monitoring, chronic medication prescriptions, or expert consultations. The most frequent domains during the pandemic were epidemiological information needs, such as preventive measures for COVID-19, pneumococcal vaccine, influenza vaccine, cases or suspicions, and swab results, among others. Conclusion: the rise of communication and information technologies during the pandemic allowed the continuity of healthcare processes despite the physical distance. There was increased use of messaging for patients' information needs, and the doctor-patient relationship has changed. (AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Primary Health Care/methods , Remote Consultation/statistics & numerical data , Ambulatory Care/methods , Physician-Patient Relations , Cross-Sectional Studies , Electronic Mail , Health Communication , Data Anonymization , COVID-19Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Patient Participation , Cesarean Section , Ethics, Medical , Physician-Patient Relations , Personal Autonomy , Decision Making , Pregnant WomenABSTRACT
El presente ensayo explora diversas perspectivas y preocupaciones relacionadas con el impacto de la inteligencia artificial (IA) en la experiencia médico paciente y la educación. El ensayo combina reflexiones narrativas y análisis crítico del problema, utilizando como recurso la novela "Fahrenheit 451" de Ray Bradbury. El autor plantea que la IA, representada, entre otros desarrollos, por los modelos de lenguaje de gran tamaño (Large Language Models LLMs) como ChatGPT, tiene un impacto significativo en la medicina y la educación. A partir de la novela descrita propone preguntas fundamentales en relación con los atributos que constituyen la experiencia médicopaciente, la práctica profesional y, en general, la experiencia humana. Se analizan algunas diferencias entre los modos de razonamiento de seres humanos y sistemas algorítmicos, y se insiste en la importancia de preservar los atributos humanos en la interacción con la inteligencia artificial, como el rol de las emociones y la reflexión crítica. El artículo afirma la importancia de promover prácticas educativas fundadas en la deliberación sobre valores, el pensamiento crítico y la pedagogía sentimental, como alternativas a una relación automática con la tecnología, como expresión de una pérdida de sentido y significado: el nihilismo automático
This essay explores various perspectives and concerns related to the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the doctor-patient relationship and education. The essay combines narrative reflections and critical analysis of the issue, using Ray Bradbury's novel "Fahrenheit 451" as a resource. The author argues that AI, represented by developments such as Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, has a significant impact on medicine and education. Drawing from the described novel, fundamental questions are posed regarding the attributes that constitute the doctor patient experience, professional practice, and the overall human experience. Some differences between human reasoning and algorithmic systems are analyzed, emphasizing the importance of preserving human attributes in interactions with artificial intelligence, such as the role of emotions and critical reflection. The article asserts the importance of promoting educational practices grounded in deliberation on values, critical thinking, and sentimental pedagogy as alternatives relationship with technology, as an expression of a loss of meaning and significance: automatic nihilism.
Subject(s)
Humans , Physician-Patient Relations , Artificial Intelligence , Professional Practice , EducationABSTRACT
Abstract Objective Training a competent physician requires to direct the resident profile of graduate students for practice activities. We sought to identify the doctor-patient relationship orientation and the self-assessment of the core competencies, which they pointed out needed to be developed. Methods All 56 orthopedic residents admitted between 2016 and 2019 participated in the present prospective observational study. The Patient Practitioner Orientation Scale (PPOS) and a self-assessment questionnaire were answered at the beginning and end of the first year of residency (R1) in Orthopedics and Traumatology. We calculated mean and standard deviation for PPOS items and scores and analyzed them through the paired t-test. Self-Assessment Questionnaire answer options were "yes" or "I need to improve it" and skills were classified in decreasing order of the frequency of "I need to improve it" responses with description of absolute number and percentage. We compared frequencies using Fisher Test. P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. GraphPad Prism 8.4.3 (GraphPad Software, San Diego, CA, USA) and Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA, USA) were used for statistical analysis. Results In the period between the beginning and the end of R1, the total PPOS mean score significantly decreased from 4.63 to 4.50 (p= 0.024), more biomedical-focused. Around one-third of the residents identified competencies of patient care, practice-based learning and improvement, and interpersonal and communication skills as needed to improve. Conclusions The PPOS and self-assessment activities could promote reflection practices and are possible tools for learner-centered competency assessment. Biomedical guidance tends to prevail as the training of physicians progresses, and periodic self-assessments can be worked on to build a growth mindset.
Resumo Objetivo A formação de um médico competente requer direcionar o perfil de pós-graduação residente para atividades práticas. Buscou-se identificar a orientação de relacionamento médico-paciente e a autoavaliação das competências fundamentais que eles apontaram que precisavam ser desenvolvidas. Métodos Todos os 56 residentes em ortopedia admitidos entre 2016 e 2019 participaram do presente estudo observacional prospectivo. A Escala de Orientação Médico-Paciente (Patient Practitioner Orientation Scale [PPOS, na sigla em inglês]) e um questionário de autoavaliação foram respondidos no início e no final do primeiro ano de residência (R1) em Ortopedia e Traumatologia. Calculamos o desvio médio e padrão para itens e pontuações de PPOS e os analisamos através do teste t emparelhado. As opções de resposta do Questionário de Autoavaliação foram "sim" ou "preciso melhorar" e as habilidades foram classificadas na ordem decrescente da frequência das respostas "preciso melhorar" com descrição de número absoluto e percentual. Comparamos frequências usando o teste de Fisher. Consideramos significativos valores-p < 0,05. Os programas GraphPad Prism 8.4.3 (GraphPad Software, San Diego, CA, EUA) e Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA, EUA) foram utilizados para análise estatística. Resultados No período entre o início e o final do R1, a média total de PPOS diminuiu significativamente, de 4,63 para 4,50 (p= 0,024), mais focada em biomédica. Cerca de um terço dos residentes identificou competências do cuidado ao paciente, aprendizagem e melhoria baseadas na prática e habilidades interpessoais e de comunicação, como necessitando melhorar. Conclusões As atividades de PPOS e autoavaliação podem promover práticas de reflexão e são possíveis ferramentas para avaliação de competência centrada no aluno. A orientação biomédica tende a prevalecer à medida que a formação dos médicos progride e as autoavaliações periódicas podem ser trabalhadas para construir uma mentalidade de crescimento.
Subject(s)
Humans , Orthopedics , Physician-Patient Relations , Competency-Based Education , Self-Testing , Internship and ResidencyABSTRACT
Introducción. La evaluación del riesgo es fundamental en el éxito quirúrgico. Las perspectivas de los actores involucrados en el proceso de atención deben alinearse con el fin de planear, comunicar y ejecutar adecuadamente las intervenciones necesarias. El objetivo de este escrito fue analizar el riesgo quirúrgico, considerando los posibles factores relacionados con su estimación, comunicación y comprensión en la práctica clínica. Métodos. Análisis crítico y reflexivo de la información disponible, contrastado con la práctica usual. Se hace un ejercicio con situaciones clínicas habituales. Resultados. La complejidad de los pacientes, los recursos, el contexto y la naturaleza de las intervenciones, demandan una aproximación del riesgo implícito de una cirugía con instrumentos evaluativos confiables y reproducibles. Las percepciones por los médicos, pacientes y administradores en salud acerca del impacto de una cirugía difieren según sus intereses. La transmisión de los resultados es un reto ante la asimetría en el conocimiento, la complejidad de los procedimientos y la incertidumbre en los resultados. La comunicación efectiva, como una competencia, se hace altamente pertinente en la actividad del médico. Facilitar la comprensión del mensaje exige una práctica continua y un proceso de mejoramiento adaptado al contexto de la atención en salud. Conclusiones. El riesgo quirúrgico exige una metodología clara y fiable en su evaluación, comunicación y comprensión entre los actores del sistema de salud. Su presencia está asociada a la actividad profesional de los médicos y requiere competencias que permitan un abordaje no lineal del tema. Es una actividad profesional con el fin de mejorar los desenlaces en salud y la calidad de las intervenciones
Introduction. Evaluation of surgical risk is fundamental in surgical success. The perspectives of the actors involved in the care process must be aligned to adequately plan, communicate, and execute the necessary interventions. The aim of this article is to analyze surgical risk, considering possible factors related to its estimation, communication and understanding in clinical practice. Methods. Critical and reflective analysis of the available information, contrasted with the usual practice. An exercise is done with usual clinical situations. Discussion. Complexity of the patients, resources, context, and nature of the interventions demand an approximation of the implicit risk of surgery with reliable and reproducible evaluation instruments. Perceptions by physicians, patients, and health administrators about the impact of surgery differ according to their interests. The transmission of results is a challenge in the face of asymmetry in knowledge, complexity of procedures and uncertainty in results. Effective communication as a competence becomes highly relevant in the physician's activity. Facilitating the understanding of the message requires continuous practice and an improvement process adapted to the context of health care. Conclusions. Surgical risk requires a clear and reliable methodology in its evaluation, communication and understanding among the actors of the health system. Their presence is associated with the professional activity of doctors and requires skills that allow a non-linear approach to the subject. It is a professional activity that must be empowered to improve health outcomes and the quality of interventions.
Subject(s)
Humans , Physician-Patient Relations , Communication , Risk Management , General Surgery , Communication BarriersABSTRACT
Las cuestiones inherentes al final de la vida constituyen un inmenso desafío para los médicos, debido a la falta de educación formal en lo inherente a cuidados paliativos, y a que se entrelazan conceptos médicos, religiosos, legales y bioéticos en su abordaje. El objetivo de este estudio es identificar, desde la perspectiva de los profesionales de la salud, las cuestiones éticas involucradas en el proceso de atención de pacientes incluidos en cuidados paliativos. Para ello se llevó a cabo de una revisión de 10 artículos, en los cuales se observa la carencia de formación bioética y la aplicación inadecuada (o falta) en lo inherente a manejo adecuado de la información y la dificultad en su comunicación, toma de decisiones compartidas, respeto de la autonomía del paciente, verdad médica, limitación de esfuerzos terapéuticos (AU)
End-of-life issues constitute an immense challenge for physicians, due to the lack of formal education regarding palliative care, and the intertwining of medical, religious, legal, and bioethical concepts in their approach. The objective of this study is to identify, from the perspective of health professionals, the ethical issues involved in the care process for patients included in palliative care. For this, a review of 10 articles was carried out, in which the lack of bioethical training and the inadequate application (or lack) is observed in terms of the proper management of information and the difficulty in its communication, decision making shared, respect for patient autonomy, medical truth, limitation of therapeutic efforts (AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Palliative Care/ethics , Physician-Patient Relations/ethics , Bioethics , Process Assessment, Health Care , Health Personnel , Terminally Ill , Personal Autonomy , Patient Rights/ethicsABSTRACT
Introducción: El artículo reflexiona sobre la naturaleza multidimensional y compleja de la ética y su relación con las ciencias médicas. Objetivo: Reflexionar sobre la atención a pacientes en estadio terminal desde el punto de vista de la ética médica para una atención médica integral en el primer nivel de atención. Métodos: estudio cualitativo; se emplearon análisis documental, sistematización, análisis y síntesis de publicaciones sobre la temática estudiada como métodos teóricos, para ello se valoran los criterios de autores y resultados que se expresan en artículos publicados. Se realizaron búsquedas, tanto en bases de datos estudiadas como en las plataformas de productos del Nacional Council for Biotechnology Information de la Nacional Library of Medicine of United States of America; y de Elsevier, esta última productora de Embase y Scopus, a través del motor de búsqueda Google Académico, en español e inglés, y sin límite de tiempo. Se emplearon los términos: ética médica, deontología médica, relación médico-paciente, paciente terminal y cuidados paliativos. Se excluyeron aquellos artículos que no habían sido revisados por pares o no mostraban el texto completo. Se revisó la información suministrada por cada fuente y se sintetizó. Conclusiones: En Cuba, la bioética avanza en la medida que lo permite la estrategia de Atención Primaria de Salud, con un Programa del Médico y Enfermera de la Familia resiliente y de valores humanos demostrados nacional e internacionalmente. Como reto se plantea estimular el debate entre saberes para generar cambios a favor de los pacientes, las familias, las comunidades y la sociedad(AU)
Introduction: The article reflects on the multidimensional and complex nature of ethics and its relationship to the medical sciences. Objective: To reflect on the care of terminally ill patients from the point of view of medical ethics for comprehensive medical care at the primary level of care. Methods: A qualitative study was carried out using documentary analysis, systematization, analysis and synthesis of publications on the subject studied as theoretical methods. For this purpose, the criteria of authors and results expressed in published articles were evaluated. Searches were carried out in Spanish and English through Google Scholar, and without time limit, both in the databases studied and in the product platforms of the National Council for Biotechnology Information of the National Library of Medicine of the United States of America and Elsevier. The terms: medical ethics, medical deontolog, physician-patient relationship, terminal patient and palliative care were used. Articles that were not peer-reviewed and those that did not show the full text were excluded. The information provided by each source was reviewed and synthesized. Conclusions: In Cuba, bioethics advances to the extent allowed by the Primary Health Care strategy, with a resilient Family Physician and Nurse Practitioner Program and human values demonstrated nationally and internationally. The challenge is to stimulate the debate between knowledge to generate changes in favor of patients, families, communities and society(AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Palliative Care/methods , Physician-Patient Relations/ethics , Terminal Care/methods , Community Health Services , Ethics, MedicalABSTRACT
Introducción: Con la meta permanente de mejorar la relación médico-paciente y favorecer que este último asuma una posición proactiva en la búsqueda de su salud, se implementa la metodología AELI® KINETEST, aceptada desde 2017 por la Oficina Cubana de la Propiedad Industrial, órgano estatal subordinado al Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología y Medio Ambiente. Esta emplea una forma diferente de realizar diagnóstico y tratamiento, con una marcada intención de lograr visión integral del paciente, que abarca contexto personal, familiar, laboral, y complementa así el método clínico. Objetivo: Describir los resultados de la atención a pacientes con AELI®KINETEST. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo y de corte transversal. La población estuvo conformada por 582 pacientes del Hospital Universitario Clínico Quirúrgico Dr. Miguel Enríquez, entre marzo de 2016 y marzo de 2019. Se confeccionó una ficha personal que incluía los resultados de la aplicación del protocolo del test muscular de los miembros superiores para identificar las disarmonías energéticas. Resultados: Se halló una evolución positiva, predominante a partir de la segunda consulta, en la que se encontraba asintomático el 84,4 por ciento y en la tercera, el 91 por ciento. Conclusiones: AELI® KINETEST resulta una metodología que promueve salud desde una visión integral del ser humano; y permite crecimiento personal, control de los síntomas a corto plazo y rápida reincorporación laboral y familiar. Los resultados muestran la aceptación social y apuntan a una inmediata inclusión en el aprendizaje de las ciencias de la salud(AU)
Introduction: With the permanent goal of improving the doctor-patient relationship and encouraging the latter to assume a proactive position in the pursuit of her or his health, the AELI®KINETEST methodology is implemented. It has been accepted since 2017 by the Cuban Office of Industrial Property, a state body subordinated to the Ministry of Science, Technology and the Environment. This methodology uses a different way of making a diagnosis and carrying out treatment, with a marked intention to achieve an comprehensive vision of the patient, covering the individual, family, work, and other contexts. Objective: To describe the results of patient care with AELI®KINETEST. Methods: A retrospective, descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted. The population consisted of 582 patients from Hospital Universitario Clínico Quirúrgico Dr. Miguel Enríquez, during March 2016 and March 2019. An individual file was prepared, including the results of the application of the upper limb muscle test protocol for identifying energetic disharmonies. Results: A positive evolution was observed, predominantly from the second consultation, at which moment 84.4 percent were asymptomatic; while at the moment of the third consultation, 91 percent were asymptomatic. Conclusions: AELI® KINETEST is a methodology that promotes health with an approach towards a comprehensive vision of the human being, as well as it allows individual growth, short-term symptom control and a rapid reincorporation to work and family. The results show social acceptance and point to an immediate inclusion in the learning of health sciences(AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Physician-Patient Relations , Clinical Diagnosis/education , Treatment Outcome , Disease Prevention , Methodology as a Subject , Patient Care , Epidemiology, Descriptive , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
Introducción: La inteligencia emocional es una habilidad blanda, definida como la capacidad de reconocer las emociones propias y ajenas para gestionarlas frente a otros de manera adecuada. Este tipo de inteligencia se relaciona con competencias y aptitudes humanas en diferentes áreas sociales, académicas y de trabajo. Objetivo: Describir el papel de la inteligencia emocional en la práctica clínica de los residentes médicos, como marco de referencia para su aplicación en la educación teórico-práctica y la realización de futuras investigaciones. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión de la literatura en las bases de datos PubMed, LILACS y Google Scholar. Se emplearon operadores lógicos mediante distintas combinaciones: MeSH: Emotional Intelligence, Medical Residencies, Education, Medical, Education, Medical, Graduate; y DeCS: Inteligencia Emocional, Residencia Médica, Educación Médica, Educación de Postgrado en Medicina. La búsqueda se limitó por año, idioma y acceso libre, teniendo en cuenta criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Se obtuvieron 279 resultados, de los cuales fueron seleccionados 26 para ser incluidos en la revisión y síntesis de los resultados. Resultados: Los resultados se organizaron según su relación con la inteligencia emocional en: medición en residentes médico-quirúrgicos, niveles de estrés y burnout, empatía en la relación médico-paciente, desempeño académico, bienestar y satisfacción laboral. Conclusiones: La inteligencia emocional en los residentes médico-quirúrgicos se ha relacionado con menores niveles de estrés y burnout, comunicación asertiva, mayor empatía con los pacientes y calidad en la atención médica; además, con elevado rendimiento académico, mejores habilidades de enseñanza, liderazgo y motivación; y, finalmente, con mejor bienestar psicológico, satisfacción laboral y rendimiento clínico(AU)
Introduction: Emotional intelligence is a soft skill, defined as the ability to recognize one's own and others' emotions in view of managing them in front of others adequately. This type of intelligence is related to human competences and skills in different social, academic and occupational areas. Objective: To describe the role of emotional intelligence in the clinical practice of medical residents, as a frame of reference for its application in theoretical-practical education and the development of future research. Methods: A literature review was carried out in the PubMed, LILACS and Google Scholar databases. Logical operators were used by means of different combinations from the Medical Subject Headings: Emotional Intelligence, Medical Residencies, Education, Medical, Education, Medical, Graduate. The following combinations from the Health Sciences Descriptors were also used: "Inteligencia Emocional [emotional Intelligence], Residencia Médica [medical residence], Educación Médica [medical education], Educación de Postgrado en Medicina [postgraduate education in Medicine]. The search was limited by year, language and free access, taking into account inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 279 results were obtained, of which 26 were selected to be included in the review and synthesis. Results: The results were organized, according to their relationship with emotional intelligence, in measurement in medical-surgical residents, levels of stress and burnout, empathy in the doctor-patient relationship, academic performance, well-being, and job satisfaction. Conclusions: Emotional intelligence in medical-surgical residents has been related to lower levels of stress and burnout, assertive communication, greater empathy with patients, and quality in medical care; furthermore, with high academic performance, better skills for teaching, leadership and motivation; and, finally, with better psychological well-being, job satisfaction and clinical performance(AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Preceptorship/methods , Professional Competence , Emotional Intelligence , Physician-Patient Relations , Empathy , Surgeons/education , Medical Staff, Hospital/educationABSTRACT
O estudo teve como objetivo conhecer as experiências de mães e médicos em relação ao comunicado do diagnóstico da síndrome de Down (SD). Trata-se de uma pesquisa exploratória e transversal, com delineamento qualitativo. Participaram 9 mães e 7 médicos. Foram realizadas 16 entrevistas semiestruturadas individuais. Os dados foram transcritos e submetidos à análise de conteúdo temática. Constatou-se que, para mães e médicos, é uma experiência complexa e difícil, permeada por sentimentos ambivalentes. Nas mães, predominam a tristeza, medo e angústia. A maioria delas sentiram-se insatisfeitas na maneira como receberam o diagnóstico, isso foi atribuído por elas e pelos médicos à falta de preparo durante a formação profissional. Conclui-se que algumas sugestões podem nortear a comunicação do diagnóstico, no intuito de favorecer a elaboração do mesmo, a saber: respeitar o tempo para a mãe observar e conhecer o bebê antes de receber o diagnóstico, comunicar a mãe com sensibilidade e empatia, preferencialmente na presença do outro genitor e de um psicólogo, procurar dar ênfase aos aspectos positivos da saúde do bebê.
The study aimed to know the experiences of mothers and doctors in relation to the statement of the Down syndrome (DS) diagnosis. This is a exploratory and transversal research, with a qualitative design. 9 mothers and 7 doctors participated. 16 individual semi-structured interviews were carried out. The data were transcribed and submitted to thematic content analysis. It was found that for mothers and doctors, it is a complex and difficult experience, permeated by ambivalent feelings. In mothers, sadness, fear and anguish predominate. Most of them felt dissatisfied in the way as they received the diagnosis, this was attributed by them and the doctors to the lack of preparation during vocational training. It is concluded that, some suggestions can guide the communication of the diagnosis, in order to favor its elaboration, namely: respect the time for the mother to observe and get to know the baby before receiving the diagnosis, communicate it to the mother with sensitivity and empathy, preferably in the presence of the other parent and a psychologist, try to emphasize the positive aspects of the baby's health.
El estudio tuvo como objetivo conocer las experiencias de madres y médicos en relación al comunicado del diagnóstico del síndrome de Down (SD). Se trata de una investigación exploratoria y transversal, con delineamiento cualitativo. Participaron 9 madres y 7 médicos. Se realizaron 16 entrevistas semiestructuradas individuales. Los datos fueron transcritos y sometidos al análisis de contenido temático. Se constató que, para madres y médicos, es una experiencia compleja y difícil, impregnada de sentimientos ambivalentes. En las madres predominan la tristeza, el miedo y la angustia. La mayoría de ellas se sintieron insatisfechas en la forma en que recibieron el diagnóstico, eso fue atribuido por ellas y por los médicos a la falta de preparación durante la formación profesional. Se concluye que algunas sugerencias pueden guiar la comunicación del diagnóstico, con el fin de favorecer la elaboración del mismo, a saber: respetar el tiempo para la madre observar y conocer al bebé antes de recibir el diagnóstico, comunicar la madre con sensibilidad y empatía, preferiblemente en presencia del otro progenitor y de un psicólogo, buscar dar énfasis a los aspectos positivos de la salud del bebé.
Subject(s)
Humans , Physicians , Truth Disclosure , Parenting , Down Syndrome/diagnosis , Communication , Life Change Events , Physician-Patient Relations , Brazil , Qualitative ResearchABSTRACT
La lectura de experiencias personales en situaciones de compromiso de la salud refleja el impacto que tiene sobre los pacientes y sus familias la manera de comunicarse de los profesionales. En este artículo se recorren textos de la literatura con ejemplos paradigmáticos, se mencionan posibles motivos del uso de jerga médica y se reflexiona sobre la importancia de una adecuada comunicación con los pacientes y sus familias, haciendo hincapié en la escucha activa, la individualización del abordaje considerando el contexto, los hábitos y las habilidades que deben estar presentes en los encuentros ante situaciones críticas. Se subraya la importancia de desarrollar programas formativos que incluyan encuentros de simulación. (AU)
Reading personal experiences in situations involving health problems reflects the impact that inadequate communication has on patients and their families. This article reviews texts from the literature with paradigmatic examples, mentions possible reasons for the use of medical jargon and reflects on the importance of adequate communication with patients and their families, emphasizing active listening, personalized approach considering contextual circumstances, habits and skills that must be present in critical situations meetings. The importance of developing training programs that include simulation scenarios is underlined. (AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Physician-Patient Relations , Professional-Family Relations , Empathy , Health Communication , Communication Barriers , Patient-Centered Care , Decision MakingABSTRACT
Introdução: A relação médico-paciente tem sido muito estudada ao longo dos anos e sua importância na prática médica é um consenso. No final do ano de 2019 o mundo começou a luta contra a pandemia causada pelo novo coronavírus. Os médicos de família e comunidade atuaram na linha de frente da pandemia. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar as percepções dos médicos de família e comunidade na relação médico-paciente durante a pandemia da COVID-19. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo de análise do conteúdo das narrativas médicas, publicadas no blog "Causos Clínicos". O corpus de análise seguiu a metodologia proposta por Bardin. Resultados: Foram identificadas 42 narrativas com a temática de COVID-19 e relação médico-paciente. Após a análise de conteúdo, foram identificadas três categorias: emoções, contato físico e mudanças no sistema de saúde. Cada uma delas teve subcategorias específicas de acordo com as características das narrativas, podendo estar relacionada com "fortalezas e enfrentamentos": emoções conflituosas de saúde mental pessoais e também relacionadas ao papel social do médico; a necessidade do distanciamento social, reduzindo o contato físico; mudanças no sistema de saúde próprias desse período, como persistência de demandas clínicas e sociais, redução da disponibilidade de consultas presenciais e falta de insumos básicos de proteção; ou "barreiras e dificuldades": exercício da empatia; prática da escuta qualificada, do olhar atento e de habilidades de comunicação, além do uso da telemedicina. As informações obtidas na literatura corroboram os resultados encontrados nesta pesquisa. Quanto às limitações, este estudo contemplou apenas o olhar do médico e reuniu outras informações relevantes sobre a temática que não puderam ser incluídas nos resultados. Conclusões: De posse das informações obtidas neste trabalho foi possível concluir que de fato a relação médico-paciente sofreu alterações diante das variáveis identificadas, porém as narrativas revelam que mesmo em tempos de crise é possível estabelecer ligações significativas entre o médico e o paciente.
Introduction: The doctor-patient relationship (DPR) has been extensively studied over the years, and there is a consensus on its importance in medical practice. At the end of 2019, the world began to fight the pandemic caused by the new coronavirus, whose main form of transmission is direct contact between individuals. Transmission control measures were adopted, but they impacted the way DPR used to be. Family physicians, working in primary health care, served on the front lines of the pandemic. They are often committed to DPR, and some have written their pandemic narratives on the "Causos Clínicos" blog. Faced with this moment, the idea arose of scrutinizing the nuances of the DPR in the light of the narratives of those who lived this process on the front lines. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the perception of family physicians in the DPR during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted, where we evaluated medical narratives published on "Causos Clínicos" through content analysis. The corpus of analysis went through three stages: pre-analysis, analytical description and referential interpretation. Results: After the selection of the corpus, 42 narratives were considered for the analytical process, in which the codes identified were: "barriers and difficulties" and "strengths and confrontations". Some barriers were then detected, such as: conflicting emotions of personal mental health and also related to the physician's social role; the need for social distancing, reducing physical contact; and changes in the health system typical of this period, such as the persistence of clinical and social demands, reduced availability of face-to-face consultations and insufficient basic protection supplies. The ways of coping identified were: exercising empathy; qualified listening, attentive look and communication skills, in addition to the use of telemedicine. The information from the literature corroborates the results obtained in this study. As for the limitations, this study only looked at the physician's point of view and gathered other relevant information on the subject, which could not be included in the results. Conclusions: It is possible to say that the DPR changed during the pandemic, but the narratives show that even in times of crisis, it is possible to establish significant links between the doctor and the patient. These results may contribute as a coping measure for new public health crises in the future.
Introducción: La relación médico-paciente ha sido ampliamente comparada a lo largo de los años y su importancia dentro de la práctica médica es un consenso. A finales de 2019 comenzó la lucha contra la pandemia mundial por el nuevo coronavirus. Los médicos de familia y comunitarios estuvieron en la primera línea de la pandemia. Objetivo: Este estudio tiene como objetivo analizar las percepciones de los médicos familiares y comunitarios en la relación médico-paciente durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos: Se trata de un estudio cualitativo de análisis de contenido de narrativas médicas, publicado en el blog "Causos Clínicos". El corpus de análisis propuesto es el propuesto por Bardin. Resultados: Se identificaron 42 narrativas con relación temática entre la COVID y la Relación Médico-Paciente. Tras el análisis de contenido, se identificaron 3 categorías: emociones, contacto y sistema de salud. Cada una de las tres categorías tuvo subcategorías específicas de acuerdo con las características de las narrativas, que pueden estar relacionadas con "fortalezas y confrontaciones": emociones conflictivas de salud mental personal y también relacionadas con el rol social del médico; la necesidad de distanciamiento social, hecho de contacto físico; dentro del sistema de salud de este período, como el mantenimiento de las necesidades clínicas y la reducción social en la disponibilidad de consultas presenciales y la falta de insumos básicos de protección; o barreras y dificultades: ejercicio de la empatía; práctica de escucha, ojo vigilante y habilidades de comunicación, además del uso de la telemedicina. Los resultados encontrados en la literatura corroboran los resultados encontrados en esta investigación. En cuanto a la información, este estudio contiene solo la opinión del médico y otra información relevante, que no se incluyeron en los resultados. Conclusiones: Es posible afirmar que la relación médico-paciente ha cambiado durante la pandemia, pero las narrativas muestran que incluso en tiempos de crisis es posible establecer conexiones significativas entre el médico y el paciente.
Subject(s)
Humans , Physician-Patient Relations , Pandemics , Narrative MedicineABSTRACT
Introdução: Este artigo explora o tema da empatia na relação médico-paciente. Objetivo: Contribuir para a habilidade de comunicação clínica por meio da estratégia de empatia proposta pela comunicação não violenta (CNV). Métodos: Estudo do principal livro de Marshall Rosenberg, Nonviolent Communication: A language of life. Subsequentemente, foi feita a análise de vários vídeos no YouTube, tanto de entrevistas como de oficinas com o próprio Rosenberg. O total de 15 horas e 8 minutos de material audiovisual foi analisado. Resultados: O conteúdo selecionado está organizado em três seções: (1) Princípios da CNV; (2) Empatia; e (3) Aplicação da empatia na prática clínica. A CNV contribui para o tema da empatia na comunicação clínica ao propor um modelo de conexão empática por meio do reconhecimento de sentimentos e necessidades de cada pessoa. Esse modelo está organizado em quatro etapas: (a) observação sem julgamento; (b) conexão com os próprios sentimentos; (c) necessidades não satisfeitas; e (d) solicitações e demandas da pessoa. Trata-se de uma síntese, não somente de comunicação, mas de uma intencionalidade e do uso consciente de uma linguagem a serviço da vida, naquilo que está vivo nas pessoas, a cada momento. Conclusões: A empatia continua sendo um tema relevante na comunicação clínica. Por se tratar de um assunto complexo, este estudo buscou ferramentas para facilitar sua aplicação prática. A CNV pode contribuir para o fortalecimento da pesquisa e o exercício da empatia na comunicação clínica ao preencher possíveis lacunas sobre o tema.
Introduction: This article explores the issue of empathy in the doctor-patient relationship. Objective: To contribute to clinical communication skills through the empathy strategy proposed by nonviolent communication (NVC). Methods: Study of Marshall Rosenberg's main book, "Nonviolent Communication: A language of life". Subsequently, several videos on YouTube were analyzed, both interviews and workshops with Rosenberg himself. A total of fifteen hours and eight minutes of audio-visual material was analyzed. Results: The selected content was organized into three sections: (1) NVC principles; (2) Empathy; and (3) Application of empathy in clinical practice. NVC contributes to the theme of empathy in clinical communication by proposing a model of empathic connection through the recognition of each person's feelings and needs. This model was organized into four stages: (a) observation without judgment; (b) connection with one's feelings; (c) unmet needs; and (d) the person's requests and demands. It is a synthesis, not only of communication, but also of intentionality and the conscious use of a language in the service of life, in what is alive in people at every moment. Conclusions: Empathy is a relevant topic in clinical communication. Because it is a complex subject, this study sought tools to facilitate its practical application. NVC can contribute to the strengthening of research and the exercise of empathy in clinical communication by filling possible gaps on the subject.
Introducción: Este artículo explora el tema de la empatía en la relación médico-paciente. Objetivo: Contribuir a las habilidades de comunicación clínica a través de la estrategia de empatía propuesta por la comunicación no violenta (CNV). Métodos: Estudio del libro principal de Marshall Rosenberg, "Nonviolent Communication: A language of life". Posteriormente, se analizaron varios videos en YouTube, tanto entrevistas como talleres con el propio Rosenberg. Se analizaron un total de quince horas y ocho minutos de material audiovisual. Resultados: El contenido seleccionado se organiza en tres secciones: (1) Principios de la CNV; (2) Empatía; y (3) Aplicación de la empatía en la práctica clínica. La CNV contribuye al tema de la empatía en la comunicación clínica al proponer un modelo de conexión empática a través del reconocimiento de los sentimientos y necesidades de cada persona. Este modelo se organiza en cuatro etapas: (a) observación sin juicio; (b) conexión con los propios sentimientos; (c) necesidades insatisfechas; y (d) las solicitudes y demandas de la persona. Es una síntesis, no solo de comunicación, sino también de intencionalidad y uso consciente de un lenguaje al servicio de la vida, en lo que está vivo en las personas, en cada momento. Conclusiones: La empatía sigue siendo un contenido relevante en la comunicación clínica. Por tratarse de un tema complejo, este estudio buscó herramientas para facilitar su aplicación práctica. La CNV puede contribuir al fortalecimiento de la investigación y al ejercicio de la empatía en la comunicación clínica llenando posibles vacíos sobre el tema.
Subject(s)
Humans , Empathy , Physician-Patient Relations , Education, Medical , Family PracticeABSTRACT
Resumo Este artigo aborda as condutas preconizadas pelos conselhos de medicina do Brasil relacionadas à "alta médica a pedido". Trata-se de uma pesquisa documental e exploratória, que buscou identificar e analisar diversas manifestações dos conselhos acerca de questionamentos e dúvidas suscitadas pelos médicos quando se deparavam com pedidos de alta médica. Para tanto, utilizou-se o método de análise hipotético-dedutivo. A partir da problemática apresentada (insegurança ético-jurídica dos médicos no deferimento dos pedidos de alta), levantaram-se as soluções propostas às questões atinentes ao tema destinadas aos conselhos de medicina. Elas foram analisadas criticamente à luz do ordenamento ético-jurídico, com vistas a proporcionar ao médico maior segurança e tranquilidade na condução desse procedimento.
Abstract This paper examines the procedures recommended by Brazilian medical councils regarding "discharge against medical advice". An exploratory and documentary research was conducted to identify and analyze several council publications regarding questions and doubts raised by physicians when faced with discharge requests. Solutions proposed to the issue at hand (ethical-legal insecurity of physicians in authorizing discharges) were analyzed based on ethical-legal frameworks, aiming to provide physicians with greater security and tranquility in conducting this procedure.
Resumen Este artículo discute la conducta recomendada por los consejos de medicina de Brasil respecto al "alta médica por solicitud". Se trata de una investigación documental y exploratoria, que pretendió identificar y analizar diversas manifestaciones de los consejos sobre los interrogantes y dudas planteadas por los médicos ante las solicitudes de alta médica. Para ello, se utilizó el método de análisis hipotético-deductivo. Con base en el problema presentado (inseguridad ético-jurídica de los médicos en la concesión de solicitudes de alta), se plantearon propuestas de solución a cuestiones relacionadas con el tema dirigidas a los consejos de medicina. Se utilizó la perspectiva ética-jurídica, con el objetivo de brindar mayor seguridad y tranquilidad al médico en la realización de este procedimiento.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Patient Discharge , Physician-Patient Relations , Drug Prescriptions , Personal Autonomy , Patient Rights , Decision Making , Hospice CareABSTRACT
Resumen El artículo explora las mutaciones en las prácticas de los profesionales de la salud en el contexto de la covid-19. Se centra en "el área covid" de un hospital de la provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina, buscando conocer el reordenamiento del espacio y rutinas hospitalarias, y las formas de comunicar la muerte. En un período corto de tempo se observan ajustes en las prácticas profesionales e intentos de nuevas rutinas y rituales. En el vínculo médico/paciente y en la forma de comunicar una muerte se condensan tanto las acciones "excepcionales" (que vulneram rutinas) como intentos de recuperar técnicas de cuidado vinculados al paradigma de la medicina humanizada.
Abstract The article explores the mutations in the practices of health professionals in the context of covid-19. It focuses on "the covid area" of a hospital in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, seeking to know the rearrangement of hospital space and routines, and the ways of communicating death. In a short period of time, adjustments in professional practices and attempts at new routines and rituals are observed. In the doctor/patient relationship and in the way of communicating a death, both "exceptional" actions (which violate routines) and attempts to recover care techniques linked to the paradigm of humanized medicine are condensed.
Subject(s)
Physician-Patient Relations , Professional Practice , Mortality , Pandemics , COVID-19 , Argentina , History, 21st CenturyABSTRACT
El contexto representa un conjunto de circunstancias que rodean una situación y, sin las cuales, esta no puede comprenderse en forma correcta. La relación médico paciente está enmarcada en un vínculo contextual. En la práctica cotidiana del médico de familia la atención del paciente se realiza de manera integral, sin disociar el cuerpo del contexto. En este artículo los autores desarrollan el abordaje contextual como herramienta diagnóstica y se describen con detalle dos instrumentos útiles para ponerla en práctica: la evaluación contextual y la entrevista de FOCO (Familia, Orientación y Contexto). (AU)
The context represents a set of circumstances that surround a situation without which it can not be properly understood.The patient-physician relationship is framed in a contextual link. In the daily practice of the family physician, patient careis carried out in an integral manner, without dissociating the body from the context. In this article the authors develop the contextual approach as a diagnostic tool and describe in detail two useful instruments to put it into practice: the contextual assessment and the FOCO interview (Family, Orientation and Context). (AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Physician-Patient Relations , Continuity of Patient Care/trends , Family Practice/methods , Social Environment , Socioeconomic Factors , Comprehensive Health Care , Decision Making, SharedABSTRACT
Introducción. Pese a la alta prevalencia de disfunciones sexuales femeninas durante el climaterio y a que existen intervenciones para mejorarlas, este problema no suele ser consultado por las pacientes ni explorado por los profesionales de la salud. Si bien suponemos que existen condicionamientos culturales que actuarían como barreras para su abordaje, no conocíamos las percepciones, incomodidades y experiencias de los profesionales que atienden en el ámbito de la atención primaria a pacientes que transitan su climaterio. Objetivos. Comprender desde la perspectiva de los médicos de atención primaria los factores que contribuyen a la invisibilidad de la problemática de las disfunciones sexuales femeninas durante el climaterio en mujeres de clase media atendidas en el Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires. Diseño. Estudio exploratorio transversal con enfoque cualitativo realizado en el Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires durante2020 y 2021. Resultados. A partir del análisis de diez entrevistas semiestructuradas a médicos de atención primaria (de familia, clínicos y ginecólogos) identificamos seis ejes temáticos: 1) un modelo institucional en el que el tiempo limitado para la consulta y forma de pago capitada incentivaría a que las las disfunciones sexuales femeninas permanezcan invisibilizadas; 2) la longitudinalidad de la relación médico-paciente contribuiría como un facilitador del abordaje de problemáticas vinculadas con la esfera sexual; 3) la discordancia de género entre los profesionales y las pacientes operaría como un obstáculo para abordar aspectos de la sexualidad durante el climaterio; 4) la biografía y la formación de los profesionales de la salud influiría sobre sus habilidades para abordar la problemática de la sexualidad de sus pacientes; 5) el examen ginecológico y/o la detección de síntomas de depresión contribuyen a abrir la puerta para indagar sobre la disfunción sexual femenina; y 6) el prejuicio de que el fin de la etapa reproductiva implicaría el fin de la actividad sexual. Conclusiones. Si bien no existen recomendaciones formales para la pesquisa sistemática de disfunciones sexuales femeninas, su elevada prevalencia, su fácil diagnóstico y la existencia de herramientas terapéuticas para aliviarlas, ameritan que estén más disponibles entre nuestras hipótesis diagnósticas. (AU)
Background. Despite the high prevalence of female sexual dysfunctions during the climacteric and the existence of interventions to improve them, this problem is not usually consulted by patients or explored by health professionals. Although weassume that there are cultural conditioning factors that would act as barriers to its approach, we were unaware of the perceptions, discomforts, and experiences of the professionals who care for patients who are going through their climactericin the field of primary care. Objectives. To understand, from the perspective of primary care physicians, the factors that contribute to the invisibility of the female sexual dysfunctions problem during the climacteric in middle-class women treated in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area. Design. Cross-sectional exploratory study with a qualitative approach carried out at Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires during 2020 and 2021. Results. From the analysis of ten semi-structured interviews with primary care physicians (family, clinicians and gynecologists) we identified six thematic axes: 1) an institutional model in which the limited time for consultation and capitated form of payment would encourage female sexual dysfunctions to remain invisible; 2) the longitudinality of the doctor-patient relationship would contribute as a facilitator in addressing problems related to the sexual sphere; 3) the gender discrepancy between professionals and patients would operate as an obstacle to address aspects of sexuality during the climacteric; 4) the biography and training of health professionals would influence their abilities to address the problems of their patients'sexuality; 5) gynecological examination and/or the detection of symptoms of depression contribute to opening the door toinquire about FSD; 6) the prejudice that the end of the reproductive stage would imply the end of sexual activity. Conclusions. Although there are no formal recommendations for the systematic screening of female sexual dysfunctions, its high prevalence, its easy diagnosis and the existence of therapeutic tools to alleviate them, deserve that they be more available among our diagnostic hypotheses. (AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Middle Aged , Physician-Patient Relations , Primary Health Care , Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological , Climacteric , Menopause/psychology , Sexuality , Time Factors , Cross-Sectional Studies , Interviews as Topic , Communication Barriers , Depression/complications , Empathy , Gender and Health , Gynecological Examination , Physicians, Primary Care , Job SatisfactionABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To preliminarily explore the applicable scenarios of an intraoral camera to assist oral anatomical landmarks recognition, so as to improve the clinical diagnosis and treatment mode, cultivate the concept of caring for patients, strengthen doctor-patient communication, assist experts to teach, and improve the clinical diagnosis and efficacy rate.@*METHODS@#A new type of an intraoral camera was applied in the recognition of oral anatomy landmarks and four application scenarios were developed, namely: (1) clinical diagnosis and treatment scenarios, in which doctors used intraoral camera to conduct a comprehensive examination of patients in the mouth and take videos and photos; (2) doctor-patient communication scenarios, when the doctor told the patient about the treatment plan, the video or photo taken by the intraoral camera was displayed to the patient; (3) expert teaching scenarios, when the expert used an intraoral camera to teach in the patient's mouth, and the young doctor learned oral anatomical signs on the projection screen, with the study of theoretical lessons; (4) difficult case recording scenarios, in the process of clinical diagnosis and treatment, when encountering difficult cases, you could use intraoral camera to record and take photos for young doctors to discuss, and experts to comment and guide.@*RESULTS@#The application of intraoral camera could: (1) improve the clinical diagnosis and treatment mode and raise the clinical diagnosis and efficacy rate; (2) stimulate young doctors' interest in learning, use intraoral camera in assessments, and skillfully combine theoretical knowledge of anatomical landmarks with clinical practice, so as to improve the teaching effect; (3) cultivate, through self or mutual use, the concept of caring for patients and reinforce the importance of gentle operation; (4) strengthen doctor-patient communication. Doctors could communicate with patients more visually, so that the patients could better understand their own situation, and strengthen the patients' trust in the doctors.@*CONCLUSION@#Intraoral camera can assist oral clinical diagnosis and treatment, such as the recognition of oral anatomical landmarks. It plays a certain role in promoting the improvement of clinical diagnosis and treatment mode, stimulating learning interest, cultivating the concept of caring for patients, and enhancing doctor-patient communication.
Subject(s)
Humans , Physician-Patient Relations , Physicians , Communication , Mouth , LearningABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: A work that dignifies, that is adequately rewarded and is carried out with social protection is considered decent by the International Labor Organization. AIM: To describe and understand the different dimensions of the dignity of medical work from the perspective of Chilean male and female doctors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From a qualitative approach, the first stage of the study consisted in the application of an open response survey which was answered by doctors from all over the country. The second stage consisted in discussion instances about dignity of medical work. In the third stage, semi-structured in-depth interviews with doctors of both sexes and of different generations were conducted. The analysis of the data was carried out following the approaches of the Grounded Theory. RESULTS: The concept of dignity of medical work arises from a historical process of social conquest and implies the recognition of the rights of professionals and patients. Optimal conditions are required to provide quality health care. However, even in unworthy conditions, doctors do everything possible to provide a decent care. The need to humanize the relationships that occur in the context of health care is proposed. Carrying out medical work with excellence and professionalism contributes to personal fulfillment. Associativity contributes to dignify medical work. CONCLUSIONS: The dignity of medical work is understood by doctors as a polysemic and relational concept.