Cuidados paliativos na formação: currículo e percepção dos discentes

Abstract

Introduction: Although death is a frequent theme in health education and professional practice, it is approached in a measured manner, and professionals should receive encouragement and help to reflect on the theme, as well as technical training that enables them to assume their responsibilities to their patients. In this perspective, although not exclusive to the proximity of death, Palliative Care (PC) is the theme of this specialization course conclusion work. Objective: To analyze the teaching related to PC in undergraduated pshysioterapy. Methods: This research is descriptive, exploratory and with a qualitative approach. The curriculum was evaluated through documentary analysis, as well as the students' perception through interviews, which were analyzed using the Collective Subject Discourse. Results: Three disciplines adressed themes pertinent to PC, and the interviews demonstrated the humanized view of the students and the awareness of the multidisciplinar work, however, there’s a predominant sense of lack of security for the care of terminal patients. Conclusion: PC teaching is reaching the objective of providing technical knowledge of terminal concepts, but still presenting gaps in the practice and development of safety perception.