THE DIFFICULTIES OF NURSING CARE WITH ELDERLY PATIENTS IN PALLIATIVE CARE - AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Objective: To delimit the complexities that permeate the health care of geriatric patients, as outlined in the scientific literature. Method: An integrative literature review was carried out, whose search took place in the following online databases: Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences (Lilacs), Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo) and National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health (Medline/Pubmed), covering the period from 2020 to 2022. For the research, the following descriptors were used: aging, palliative care and death. Scientific articles that address the topic in Portuguese, published between 2020 and 2024 and available in full in the selected databases, were included. Articles that were not directly aligned with the objectives of this study were excluded. Results: A total of 95 articles were identified, of which 14 belong to the Lilacs database, 35 to the Scielo database, and 46 to the Medline/Pubmed database. However, 8 articles met the eligibility criteria. This lack of knowledge is often attributed to the absence of informative processes, not only in the work context, but also in nursing teaching institutions. Conclusion: The team demonstrates a solid understanding of palliative care, recognizing the family as a crucial element that connects the professional to the elderly. However, it has become evident that continuing education is indispensable, as well as emotional support directed to nursing.