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.
