Nursing care in Tuberculosis patients at a Spanish sanatorium, 1943-1975

Objectives

the objective in this study is to identify the profile of the nursing staff,the work conditions and to describe nursing care at a sanatorium located inBarcelona, Spain between 1943 and 1975.

Method

historical study undertaken between 2008 and 2010, based on oral sources,five direct and one indirect testimonies, and the analysis of writtendocuments. The data from the testimonies were collected throughsemistructured interviews.

Results

the nursing staff, mostly religious women, had scarce material and economicresources and no preventive measures to take care of the ill. The nursesundertook activities centered on the basic needs for physical and spiritualwellbeing.

Conclusion

The study reveals how the nurses, despite working in hostile conditions,attempted to safeguard the wellbeing of the patients and accompany themduring the death process.