Perceção dos Enfermeiros acerca da Obstinação Terapêutica em Doentes Adultos em Unidade de Cuidados Intensivos Polivalente

Background: Situations of therapeutic futility (TF) in intensive care units (ICUs) present challenges for nurses.Objective: To explore nurses’ perceptions of TF in adult patients in a general ICU.Methodology: A descriptive, exploratory study with a qualitative approach was conducted with a purposive sample of 19 nurses. Data were collected using a questionnaire with both closed- and open-ended questions and analyzed according to Bardin’s content analysis method. All ethical and formal requirements were met.Results: Nurses associated TF with diagnostic testing, invasive procedures, and intensive pharmacolog-ical interventions, which elicited feelings of anger and frustration. They identified the need to enhance communication, involve nurses in decision-making, develop protocols, and increase training in ICUs.Conclusion: Negative emotions triggered by TF affect nurses’ experience of care management. To better manage these situations, this study presents strategies for improving ICU patients’ quality of life.