Sentidos atribuídos à sobrecarga de trabalho por residentes de ginecologia e obstetrícia e sua influência no profissionalismo médico

Abstract

Medical residency (MR) is the best way to train doctors in service. Medical professionalism in Gynecology and Obstetrics (GO) is discussed due to the constant crises in the doctor-patient relationship. Work overload is evidenced in this context by its negative influences on professional performance. The objective was to know the meanings attributed to work overload by residents of GO and its influence on medical professionalism. An exploratory and qualitative study, with focus groups conducted with 21 GO residents from four MR programs in the state of Ceará, Brazil. The data were analyzed through content analysis in the thematic modality and the interpretation of the findings was supported by Symbolic Interactionism. The results show that work overload is impregnated with meanings that generate damage to the mental health of GO residents, impairing medical professionalism. It is also observed the awareness of the group to face illness and medicalization, in addition to the search for health promotion. Finally, it is considered that the knowledge of the meanings attributed by residents to work overload helps to broaden the view of MR coordinators, making them (re)think training strategies and offer measures to improve working conditions.