Psychology in the intensive care unit: an experience report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59464/2359-4632.2026.4110Keywords:
Hospital psychology, Psychological intervention, Intensive care unitAbstract
Objective: To report the experience of the main practices carried out by the psychologist in the context of the Intensive Care Unit and to analyze their impacts on the care dynamics. Methods: The study focused on the professional practice of a psychologist in a general ICU of a private hospital in the interior of the state of São Paulo, between January 2024 and August 2025. The psychologist had a systematized practice that assisted in their hospital work, recording data regarding demographic characteristics, origin and reason for referral, as well as the complaints presented. Subsequently, individual interviews and direct observation, qualified listening, support, and guidance were carried out. Experience Report: With regard to patients and families, it was possible to initiate and maintain bonds of trust, validate emotions, reflect on the function of the ICU, and promote the reformulation of thoughts, assisting in decision-making and contributing to awareness of diagnoses, prognoses, and treatments. Regarding interaction with colleagues on the healthcare team, it was observed that professionals demonstrated greater willingness to analyze and understand demands related to mental health, adopting an empathetic stance and distancing themselves from uncritical value judgments. Conclusion: The intervention experience demonstrated contributions to improving the quality of care by promoting acceptance, bonding, and guidance on the health-disease process for patients, families, and the team.
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