Atenção Psicológica em uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva COVID-19: experiências de psicólogos

ObjectiveThis study sought to understand the interventions of hospital psychologists in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), to identify the difficulties experienced by these professionals, and describe the emerging emotional impacts on them.MethodParticipating in the research were nine psychologists, aged between 25 and 44, who worked in intensive care units in public and private hospitals for an average of 15 months. Narratives were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.ResultsTwo thematic categories were revealed: emotional impacts and their implications on mental health and professional practice; and psychological practices in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit: possibilities and challenges.ConclusionThe intensification of mental health impacts on healthcare professionals, including psychologists, was evidenced, leading to changes in care practices, such as virtual visits and interventions with staff members.