Quem é o doente? Um estudo sobre as vivências dos acompanhantes de pacientes adultos em hospital público no Rio Grande do Norte

The aim of this research is to reveal how caregivers have lived the experiences from adult patients admitted in a Rio Grande do Norte’s state hospital. This is a study where the use of the participant observation, associated with the use of interviews and informal conversations handled categories such as the mismatch between the prerogatives of Brazilian Health Care Policies (HumanizaSUS) and practices performed in hospitals, the relationships established between the caregivers and the other subjects of the research field, family relationships, permanence of women as caregivers, therapeutic itineraries, dramas, religiosity and secrets. To sew up it appears the role of a caregiver is more than emotional support or help, it is a complex act in several directions.