A ASSISTÊNCIA DO ENFERMEIRO NA QUALIDADE DE VIDA DE PACIENTES EM CUIDADOS PALIATIVOS: Uma revisão integrativa

Abstract

Introduction: Palliative care originated in the United Kingdom in the 1960s with Cicely Saunders, adopting a holistic approach. In Brazil, the National Policy on Palliative Care (PNCP), established in 2024, represents a significant milestone. Healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, play a crucial role in providing comprehensive and holistic care, respecting the dignity, specificities, and individual needs of patients and their families. Objective: To describe nursing assistance to patients in palliative care. Method: This study is an integrative review of the scientific literature. The search was conducted through the collection of the Virtual Health Library (BVS), in the following databases: Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MedLine), Nursing Database – Brazilian Bibliography (BDENF), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO). Original articles investigating the role of nurses in relation to patients in palliative care were included in the investigation. Results: The body of studies demonstrates that nursing care has a positive impact on the quality of life of patients in palliative care, alleviating physical, emotional, and spiritual symptoms. Conclusion: Palliative care should be understood as a patient right, essential for ensuring quality of life until the end. The adoption of this care model represents an advancement not only in the field of health but also in building a more humane society that respects and values life in all its phases, including the final moments.