HUMANIZATION OF CARE IN PERINATAL LOSS, AN ANALYSIS OF BRAZILIAN PUBLIC POLICIES AND CHALLENGES FOR NURSING: INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

This article sought to analyze Brazilian public policies related to the humanization of perinatal bereavement care and to identify the challenges faced by nursing professionals in achieving comprehensive care for women and families experiencing perinatal loss. This is an integrative literature review, with a qualitative and descriptive approach, developed according to the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The search was conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Virtual Health Library, Scientific Electronic Library Online, and CAPES Journal Portal databases, using descriptors related to nursing, humanization, perinatal bereavement, and public policies. After applying the eligibility criteria, seven studies published between 2021 and 2024 were included in the review. The results showed that humanized welcoming, empathetic communication, emotional support, respect for family singularities, and the implementation of care protocols are fundamental strategies for improving care. However, insufficient professional training, the absence of specific institutional protocols, and structural limitations in health services remain challenges for nursing practice. It is concluded that the consolidation of humanized care in perinatal bereavement requires strengthening professional training, continuing education, and the implementation of practices based on scientific evidence.