CARE FOR CANCER PATIENTS IN A HOSPITAL SETTING: REPORT AND EXPERIENCE

Abstract

Caring for terminally ill cancer patients in a hospital setting, especially in emergency units, presents a significant challenge for the multidisciplinary team. This study aims to describe, through experience, the care provided to a patient with advanced cancer admitted to the Emergency Unit of a public hospital in the interior of Rio Grande do Norte, who died within the first 24 hours of hospitalization. The study describes the palliative care provided to a terminally ill cancer patient, highlighting the interventions performed and the humanized approach. This is an experience report, grounded in the concepts of Cicely Saunders' Total Pain and Jean Watson's Theory of Human Caring. Data were obtained through participant observation, field notes, and medical record review, followed by descriptive-reflective analysis compared with the literature. Interventions included the administration of supplemental oxygen, elevation of the head of the bed, administration of morphine, insertion of an indwelling urinary catheter, transfer of the patient to a private room, and support for the family. The experience highlighted the importance of symptom control, a multidimensional approach to suffering, a humanized environment, and family presence, even in a highly complex setting. It is concluded that it is possible to offer quality and humanized palliative care in the emergency unit when there is multidisciplinary integration, technical knowledge, and ethical sensitivity, promoting comfort and dignity for the patient in their final moments of life.