Síndrome de Down : dificuldades em transmitir o diagnóstico

Abstract

Objective: to identify the difficulties of health professionals in communication of the diagnosis of Down Syndrome, identifying forms of approaches used to convey the diagnosis. Method: a descriptive study with a qualitative approach, developed in a public hospital in the city of Imperatriz / Maranhão / Northeast of Brazil, with 12 health professionals. It was used a semistructured interview guide and for data analysis, it was adopted the technique of analysis of thematic content. The research project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee under number 274/11. Results: most of the professionals are not prepared to convey the diagnosis and guidance of Down Syndrome to parents, and prefer to reveal the news only in the presence of the mother. Conclusion: it is relevant to the improvement and enhancement of all professionals who deal with the diagnosis of Down syndrome, with a view to provide adequate information about the syndrome.