THE ROLE OF THE NURSES IN ASSISTANCE TO ONCOLOGICAL PATIENTS IN PALLIATIVE CARE: APPROACHES, CHALLENGES AND IMPACT ON QUALITY OF LIFE

Abstract

Cancer is one of the main causes of mortality worldwide and poses major challenges to healthcare systems. When healing is no longer possible, palliative care becomes a key approach to ensuring patients’ quality of life. This study aimed to identify the strategies used by nurses in pain management and emotional support for cancer patients in palliative care. An integrative literature review was conducted through a search in the SciELO, LILACS, and BDENF databases, using the descriptors "palliative care", "nursing", "pain", and "emotional support". The selected studies revealed that, in addition to pharmacological pain control, nurses adopt strategies such as active listening, emotional welcoming, effective communication, and family support. It is concluded that nursing plays a crucial role in palliative care, requiring technical competence, human sensitivity, and institutional support to face the challenges of this practice.