Advance directives of patients: process of implementation by palliative care teams

Abstract

Objectives: to investigate the process of implementing advance directives in palliative care teams in southern Brazil. Methods: an exploratory-descriptive study with a qualitative approach conducted with 51 professionals from seven palliative care teams from December 2018 to April 2019. Data were collected through semi-structured online interviews and submitted to discursive textual analysis. Results: the implementation process starts on approach of the advance directives with patients, so that their wishes and desires are the guiding axis for planning care and conduct. Final Considerations: the palliative philosophy is important with regard to advance directives, due to the preparation of these professionals in the search for dignity, quality of life and respect for patient autonomy, in addition to reducing suffering and offering dignified death, based on the understanding of human finitude as a natural process that belongs to life.