THE APPLICABILITY OF THE NURSING PROCESS IN PALLIATIVE CARE: AN INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: The increase in chronic diseases and the growing demand for palliative care reinforce the need for organized and humanized care practices. In this context, the Nursing Process (NP) stands out as an essential instrument for structuring interventions that promote comfort, autonomy, and dignity for the end-of-life patient. Objective: To analyze the applicability of the Nursing Process in palliative care and its impacts on the quality of care. Methodology: This is a qualitative integrative review conducted using the LILACS and MedLine databases with descriptors combined with Boolean operators. Full, free articles published between 2024 and October 2025 were included, resulting in six studies that met the established criteria. Analysis and discussion of results: The studies show that the NP organizes professional practice and improves the quality of care, favoring the identification of physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, as well as the development of individualized diagnoses and interventions. Its application directly contributes to the proper management of pain, continuity of care, and strengthening of the therapeutic bond. It also enhances multidisciplinary communication and reduces errors resulting from inadequate record-keeping. Nurses stand out for identifying complex needs and promoting comprehensive comfort. However, limitations such as lack of training, professional overload, and the absence of protocols hinder its full application. Conclusion: The nursing process improves pain management, enhances interventions, strengthens communication between the team, patient, and family, strengthens the humanization of care, and ensures that care is provided with dignity and respect, even when a cure is not possible. It is recommended to expand research and institutional investments that favor its systematized application.