THE ROLE OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN PROMOTING CARE AND WELL-BEING OF USERS IN PALLIATIVE CARE

Abstract

This article aimed to analyse the contribution of Occupational Therapy (OT) within the context of palliative care, highlighting its role in promoting comprehensive care and improving the quality of life of patients with severe or terminal conditions. It is a bibliographic and descriptive study based on scientific references addressing the role of OT in maintaining autonomy, functionality, and engagement in meaningful activities. The research emphasises the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration among occupational therapists, the multidisciplinary team, nurses, and family members, in order to ensure a humanised and patient-centred approach. The results indicate that OT interventions significantly contribute to preserving the individual’s identity and dignity, as well as supporting a more active and meaningful coping process with illness and dying. It is concluded that Occupational Therapy plays an essential and transformative role in palliative care, reaffirming the value of human occupations as a fundamental element for well-being and the humanisation of care until the final moments of life.