Atitudes dos enfermeiros do perioperatório face à incerteza no raciocínio clínico

Abstract

Introduction: Clinical reasoning refers to the process of applying knowledge and expertise in order to develop a solution to manage a clinical problem. The diagnostic process in complex clinical contexts can be surrounded by uncertainty that can permeate clinical judgment. However, little is known about nurses' attitudes towards uncertainty in their practice. Objectives: To describe and analyse the attitudes of perioperative nurses towards uncertainty in the clinical reasoning process. Methodology: An exploratory descriptive study was carried out with a qualitative design. Intentional sampling of fourteen nurses from the perioperative clinical context, in a multipurpose adult recovery unit. Data were collected through semi-structured and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Based on the attitudes of perioperative nurses towards uncertainty in the clinical calculation process, the themes “behavioural beliefs” and “perception of behavioural outcomes” emerged. For each theme, two sub-themes were distinguished: perceived barriers and facilitators. Conclusion: The attitudes of perioperative nurses towards uncertainty in the clinical reasoning process reflect a combination of behavioural beliefs and perceptions of behavioural outcomes, with barriers and facilitators identified in both themes, highlighting the need for specific strategies to support decision-making in uncertain contexts.