HUMANIZATION PRACTICES IN THE CARE OF PATIENTS IN PALLIATIVE CARE

Abstract

The present study aims to characterize humanization practices in the care of patients in palliative care in order to discuss the need for humanization in these services, ensuring dignified and empathetic care to patients in situations of existential vulnerability when faced with diagnoses with no curative possibilities. To this end, an integrative literature review was carried out, with a descriptive approach, highlighting the experiences of health professionals, patients and their families. The results demonstrate that humanization in palliative care is essential to offer quality care that goes beyond the control of physical symptoms, including emotional, spiritual and social aspects, in addition to supporting families. The nurse's continuous presence and personalized attention help to alleviate suffering and strengthen bonds, promoting a better quality of life even in the absence of a cure. However, the care context faces challenges, as a biomedical approach that considers death a failure still predominates, highlighting the need for specific training and ongoing qualification in palliative care for nursing professionals. However, the findings of this study indicate that acting as an educator, coordinator and interdisciplinary teamwork are fundamental for humanized care. Furthermore, there is confusion between palliative care and euthanasia, as well as gaps in regulation and training, which reinforces the importance of public policies, ongoing training and greater recognition of the role of nursing in this field.