Compreensão do trabalho voluntário no contexto da oncologia e as implicações sobre o autocuidado

Abstract

In Brazil, volunteering in health institutions is frequent. In health care, it is essential to understand the relationships between voluntary work and the work of professionals. As cancer cases have increased significantly, volunteer work with this population has expanded. Faced with the fragility caused by cancer and treatments, the patient becomes more dependent, requiring a variety of care. In this scenario, this study aimed to understand the understanding of voluntary work in oncology and its implications for self-care. This is research with a qualitative and descriptive methodological approach, using ethnography with participant observation, semi-structured interviews and notes in a field diary. The study was carried out in the oncology sector of a public teaching hospital located in the state of Minas Gerais. 6 participants were interviewed, the main results being highlighted: gratitude in the multiplicity of words; give yourself without expecting anything in return; feel favored in the face of different aspects related to health; feel helped and give new meaning to your life. The work responded to questions about the topic, demonstrating the motivation and meaning of voluntary work, as well as how it impacts patient care in the oncology context, as well as using this knowledge to build self-care.