INTEGRATION OF PALLIATIVE CARE PROTOCOLS INTO GENERAL CLINICAL PRACTICE: BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

The integration of palliative care protocols into general clinical practice has been shown to be an essential approach to improving the quality of life of patients with serious chronic diseases. This integrative review examined the benefits and challenges associated with such integration, identifying that, in addition to providing more effective symptom management and psychosocial support, palliative care also reduces the use of intensive medical interventions and increases patient satisfaction. However, effective implementation faces significant obstacles, such as lack of adequate training of health professionals and misperceptions of palliative care as being exclusively for patients at the end of life. Overcoming these barriers requires a multifaceted approach that includes ongoing education, cultural changes and health policies that support the allocation of specific resources for such care. This study concludes that, to maximize the benefits of palliative care in general clinical practice, a systemic commitment to its integration is necessary, adapting strategies according to local context and needs.