Perceptions of people with Diabetes Mellitus after amputation: experiences and mental healthcare.

OBJECTIVES

to understand, in light of Social Representation Theory, the perceptions of people with Diabetes Mellitus after amputation regarding mental healthcare, exploring the meanings attributed to these practices in a high-complexity hospital.

METHODS

a descriptive qualitative study conducted with ten participants undergoing outpatient follow-up after amputation. Data were collected through participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and field diary entries. Data analysis followed thematic content analysis.

RESULTS

three main thematic axes emerged: the invisible burden of diabetes; the ruptures and resignifications related to the disease; and the meanings attributed to mental healthcare.

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: the importance of the nursing team in mental healthcare is highlighted, being recognized as fundamental for the therapeutic relationship, health education, counseling and guidance, contributing to restoration of health from a holistic perspective.