“Female caregiver” and their experience in the liver transplant service in a University Hospital – Ceará

Abstract

Care historically constitutes a role assumed by women in the domestic sphere with repercussions in the health area. In the context of transplantation, chronic illness generates a crisis situation in the family experienced by all members, imposing new roles to be assumed. This article aims to analyze the role of female caregivers and their experiences in the liver transplant service in a University Hospital - Ceará. It consists of an explanatory research of qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews and observation. Data collection took place in November and December 2017. Six family interlocutors were selected using criteria approved by the Research Ethics Committee. The results pointed out that for the participants the understanding of caring is confused with the activities attributed to them socially and culturally. The lack of family support impacts on physical and emotional overload to caregivers. The support of the multiprofessional team to the caregivers was also a necessity manifested by the interlocutors of this