NURSING PRACTICE IN PALLIATIVE CARE: AN ANALYSIS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF WANDA HORTA

Abstract

Introduction: Palliative care is an essential approach to promote quality of life for patients with life-threatening conditions, providing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual support. Nursing, due to its direct and continuous role, plays a central part in this process, being responsible for practices that value dignity and the humanization of care, in line with Wanda Horta’s Theory of Basic Human Needs. Objective: To analyze nursing practice in palliative care from the perspective of Wanda Horta’s theory, highlighting contributions, challenges, and prospects for professional qualification. Methodology: This is an integrative literature review conducted in the BDENF and

LILACS databases between 2020 and 2025, using specific descriptors and predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Three relevant scientific articles were selected to support the analysis and discussion. Analysis and discussion of results: The studies show that, despite the relevance of nursing in palliative care, significant challenges remain, such as insufficient specific training, work overload, and ethical dilemmas related to patient autonomy and pain management. Wanda Horta’s perspective enables a comprehensive understanding of the patient, valuing not only clinical aspects but also subjective, social, and spiritual dimensions. Conclusion: It is concluded that nursing practice in palliative care is fundamental to ensuring humanized and dignified assistance. The application of Wanda Horta’s theory broadens the understanding of comprehensive care, contributing to more sensitive and ethical practices in the context of end-of-life care.