Cuidados paliativos e terminalidade na unidade de terapia intensiva: desafios para implantação e comunicação

Abstract

Palliative care should be carried out anywhere, whether at home or in a hospital, such as intensive care units, which are usually places dedicated to a completely curative model, with an approach to pathology and health recovery. Objective: to identify scientific evidence on palliative care and the terminality process in intensive care in adults. Method: This is an integrative review, in which Lilacs and Medline databases were used for the search and selection of articles, through the search strategy with the crossing of descriptors: “Palliative Care” and “Intensive Care Units” and “End of Life Care”. Articles were included in full, published in Portuguese, English and Spanish, in the period between 2012 and 2022. Results: 202 articles were found, of which 20 were presented in the sample of this study. A reduction in clinical protocols was identified in the intensive care unit to support professionals on palliative care and terminality, and the lack of an approach to this topic in the academic training of health professionals. Poor communication between professionals, patients and family was evidenced, difficulty in dealing with and talking about death. Conclusion: The analyzed studies, as well as emphasized that palliative care in the intensive care unit qualifies care, making it more humane and holistic, and preparing professionals to deal with terminality.