The present study is part of a broader investigation with the purpose of investigating the repercussions of terminal conditions on the families of gravely ill patients hospitalized in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). The study used a qualitative clinical research methodology. Six family members of terminal patients admitted to the ICU of a medium-sized private hospital were interviewed. Five categories emerged from the analysis of the content of the interviews: perception of the illness and clinical progress; impact of admission to intensive care units; perception of the terminal condition; decision-making process; and relationship with the medical staff. This paper will present the fi rst three categories, aiming to discuss the family members' perceptions and their emotional resources in the face of a terminal condition. Evidence shows that the imminent death of the patient generates great distress and suffering for relatives, causing intense experiences of helplessness. Family members used anticipatory mourning as a coping mechanism, allowing them to reassess their resources. Relatives also demonstrated resilient behavior, which was facilitated by social and familial sup port; the quality of the family-patient bond; the perception that the patient is not suffering; and the presence of religion or spirituality.Keywords: Intensive Care Unit, family, terminal condition. A Morte em Cena na UTI: A Família Diante da TerminalidadeResumo O presente estudo é parte de investigação mais ampla sobre as repercussões da terminalidade para os familiares de pacientes gravemente enfermos em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI). Utilizou-se metodologia clínico-qualitativa de pesquisa. Foram entrevistados seis familiares de pacientes em situação de terminalidade em UTI de um hospital privado de médio porte. Da análise do conteúdo das entrevistas, emergiram cinco categorias: percepção sobre a doença e a evolução clínica; impacto da internação em terapia intensiva; percepções sobre a terminalidade; processo de tomada de decisão; e relação com a equipe médica. Neste trabalho, serão apresentadas as três primeiras categorias, com o objetivo especí-fi co de discutir percepções e recursos emocionais dos familiares diante da terminalidade. Constatou-se que a morte iminente do paciente promove grande angústia e sofrimento para os familiares, provocando intensas vivências de desamparo. O luto antecipatório foi um recurso adaptativo utilizado pelos membros da família, permitindo assim que reorganizassem seus recursos. Foi evidenciado também um comportamento resiliente entre os familiares, facilitado pelo suporte social e familiar, pela qualidade do 1 Mailing address:
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