Abstract

This article presents a case report of the Work Group Corpo e Finitude (Body and Finitude). The group has a multidisciplinary and interinstitucional approach. It is based at the Clínica da Dor of the National Institute of Cancer (INCA), through an agreement with the Graduate Program of Psychoanalytic Theory of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), and the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics (Into). This paper first presents the group objectives and purposes and its work methodology. It then discusses its results up to this date, and considers its potential trajectories. The theoretical-clinical framework of Psychoanalysis was adopted. The procedure uses texts to determine and elaborate concepts that serve as guides for interventions in daily hospital practice. This practice is discussed in weekly groups that point out if and when the concept needs to be further elaborated, to guide the clinical practice developed at various points of the project. In a back-and-forth procedure from the clinic environment to theory and from this to practice, routines are established to avoid simple automatic application of protocols, allowing each professional to examine and critically reflect about their practice and conduct in the hospital. This is an experience that affects professional themselves as well as patients and colleagues. Among the most important effects is the possibility of giving voice to subjects and their desires, removing them from the function of a mere service provider.

Keywords:
Cancer; Body Image; Finitude; Subjectivity; Hospital