This research investigated maternal attitudes in palliative cardiac surgery decision making for their children. In reference with clinical-qualitative studies, two mothers of children undergoing palliative cardiac surgery were interviewed. We observed the attitudes, hesitation, questioning, refusal of the surgery, and attitudes of not thinking and accepting immediately the procedure. Based on psychoanalysis, refusing the surgery was analyzed as reflections of denial: this would not be a psychic defense or a hasty reaction by the mother, but a possible attitude, not always definitive and that helps with the assimilation of events, sometimes traumatic for decision-making. We understood the decision as a process, being an opportune moment for reflection so that the mother and family make a pondered and reasonable decision.
Decision-Making; Mother-child relationships; Attitudes when facing disease; Doctor-patient relationship
