Needs and resources of the caregivers: a phenomenological-hermeneutic study

The aim of the study is to acquire and share knowledge about the emotional dynamics of the sanitary staff of a Paediatric Neurosurgery Ward. An action-research following the hermeneutic-phenomenological approach was applied in this study. 7 surgeons, 1 oncologist and 18 nurses and 3 social sanitary operators underwent in-depth interviews. Then the recorded material underwent content analysis, and the emergent themes were proposed back to the staff in group sessions. Both shared and peculiar themes were analyzed in this study. Operators were found to be in the need to be ‘seen’ in their difficulties and resources, their effort and commitment, both personal and professional, to be acknowledged and recognized. Vis-à-vis interviews were found to be a fundamental tool in facilitating the emergence of dense and ‘private’ emotional experiences, thus favoring subsequent sharing and better communication among the staff members. Operators reported to benefit from the consoling experience of being ‘cared by’ and carefully listened by the researchers' team.