The Perception of Onco-Hematological Patients about Exclusive Palliative Care

ABSTRACT

Introduction:  Despite scientific advances and the dissemination of information about cancer, many patients are diagnosed at advanced stages with few chances of cure. Therefore, understanding the patient's perspective is essential to enhance the team's approach when communicating the palliative care proposal.

Objective:  To understand the perception that patients have about exclusive palliative care.

Method:  Qualitative, descriptive study, based on phenomenological analysis. The research was conducted with patients admitted to an oncology-hematology unit, over 18 years old, receiving exclusive palliative care, according to the research question "What is your perception of exclusive palliative care?"

Results:  The study involved ten patients aged 33 to 81 years, with a predominance of females (70%). Five main topics of interest were revealed, including acceptance and transfer to palliative care units. The discussion emphasizes the perception of the illness as something that affects not only the body but also how patients relate to the world.

Conclusion:  Nurses play a crucial role in assisting patients receiving exclusive palliative care, and interdisciplinary communication is important in facing challenges such as lack of knowledge about palliative care and the stigmatization of these units. The research highlights the need for comprehensive, equitable, and humanized approaches to improve the treatment of patients in palliative care, emphasizing the importance of professional training to deal with difficult communications in this context.

Keywords:
Palliative Care; Health Communication; Terminal Care; Oncological Nursing