Social representations of caring and treating: the look of patients and professionals

Abstract

The objective of this study was to learn about the central nucleus of the social representations of caring and treating for patients and nurses. This qualitative study was founded on the theoretical-methodological framework of the structural approach of social representations. Participants were 90 subjects, who answered a questionnaire using the free association technique. Data analysis was performed using Evoc software. Results show that the social representations that patients and professionals have of the concepts of caring express an ethical, sensitive, solidary, affective and committed relationship with a loving human life. However, the representations of treating point at different meanings and different expectations. In conclusion, the difference between these representations is rather concerning and deserves special attention. Such discrepancy denounces that the service that the professionals have delivered does not meat the demand and desires of patients.