OBJECTIVE: To describe the perceptions and actions of registered nurses regarding the care of alcoholic persons in primary care services. METHODS: This was a qualitative exploratory study with 10 registered nurses from three primary care services. Data were collected through tape-recordings and categorized through content analysis. RESULTS: The care of alcoholic persons was characterized by fast care and focused on symptoms needing immediate nursing interventions. This type of care generated dissatisfaction of the alcoholic persons, because they should receive more attention in primary care services. CONCLUSIONS: Care of alcoholic persons and actions of registered nurses focused on the symptoms of acute intoxication only. There was no focus on early identification and prevention of problems related to the use of alcohol and alcoholism.
Primary Care Services; Alcohol; Alcoholism; Nursing Care