NURSING CONDUCT FOR PALLIATIVE PATIENTS IN INTENSIVE CARE: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Palliative care is a multidisciplinary approach that aims to improve the quality of life of patients and their families facing life-threatening illnesses. The objective of this study was to describe nursing care for palliative patients admitted to intensive care units. An integrative literature review was conducted using a descriptive and exploratory approach. The research was conducted between February and May 2025, and involved the search and analysis of scientific articles available in the relevant databases MEDLINE, SciELO, BDENF, and LILACS. The results of this integrative review include studies published between 2021 and 2025 that analyze the role of nursing in palliative care in intensive care units. The selected studies highlight the importance of early identification of terminally ill patients, the need for effective communication between staff and family members, and the strategies adopted to ensure comfort and dignity. Based on the results, it is recommended that health institutions offer regular training to nursing staff on palliative care, improving their technical and emotional knowledge.