HUMANIZED ATTENTION AND PROMOTION OF QUALITY OF LIFE FOR PATIENTS UNDER PALLIATIVE CARE

Abstract

Palliative care is active holistic care, offered to people of all ages, who are in intense suffering related to their health, whether from severe illnesses or the simple finitude of life, in order to improve the quality of life of their patients, families and caregivers. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the significance of the preparation of the nursing team, when providing a humanized and holistic care to the patient, their family members and caregivers. This is an integrative review study, where a database search of studies with a theme consistent with the objective and guiding question was carried out. For a better synthesis and overview of the data found, they were divided into four evaluation categories: category 1: determinants of quality of life for the patient; category 2: determinants of quality of life for the family; category 3: contributions of the health team to the patient and family members who experience palliative care; and category 4: difficulties faced by the team in caring for patients in palliative care, organized in tables and figures for the interpretation of results. The study showed gaps in the knowledge of the health team about the end of life process, making it essential to better train them, starting at graduation and extending to continuing education in palliative care services, so that they are able to understand the dimensions of finitude and provide the patient and family with adequate assistance that guarantees quality of life.