CHALLENGES IN CARE: THE PERCEPTION OF THE MULTIPROFESSIONAL TEAM IN THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (ICU) REGARDING PALLIATIVE CARE

Abstract

Palliative care (PC) is a multidisciplinary approach that aims to promote quality of life for patients and their families facing life-threatening illnesses. In the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), however, its implementation still faces challenges ranging from conceptual understanding to communication among the healthcare team and institutional structure. This study aimed to characterize the profile of multidisciplinary healthcare professionals working in an adult ICU and to understand their perceptions of PC in an intensive care unit. This is a quantitative, descriptive-exploratory study with a cross-sectional design, involving 42 professionals from eight different healthcare disciplines. Data were collected in June and July 2026 using an electronic questionnaire. The findings indicate gaps in professional training and theoretical knowledge regarding the subject, suggesting that much of the knowledge applied in daily professional practice is acquired through day-to-day experiences within the unit rather than through formal education.