A influência da sobrecarga de trabalho do enfermeiro na qualidade da assistência pré-natal

Abstract

Objective: To check whether nurse’s work overload influences prenatal care provided to pregnant women according to both point of views. Methods: Descriptive and qualitative study conducted in 2010 in Guarapuava/PR with 10 low-risk pregnant women and 10 nurses in charge of 5 basic health care units. Interviews were carried out using a semi-structured questionnaire containing the characterization of the sample and questions on prenatal care received and provided. Data underwent content analysis. Results: Nurses are in the age group between 25 and 47 years, have 3-21-year experience after graduation and the time spent at the job ranged from 6 months to 7 years. Pregnant women were between 21-30 years old, single, multipara and have been attending the unit for more than one year. Nurses report work overload that negatively affects the prenatal care provided to pregnant women, and the number of activities carried out exceed the time they have to perform them. Pregnant women presented different opinions and it became evident that the care could be improved and that the short time spent on the consultations interferes in the quality. Conclusion: For the nurse, the work overload influences the quality of care provided to pregnant women, and pregnant women notice that the poor quality of care provided by this professional is associated with the large number of activities they need to perform. doi:10.5020/18061230.2014.p177