Communication in promoting dignity in palliative care: Challenges for nursing

Abstract

Objective: To understand the influence of communication as a basic nursing instrument in the promotion of dignity in Palliative Care. Method: Theoretical reflection through literature review and using Chochinov's Dignity Model. The research of scientific articles was carried out on the online knowledge library, on the Elsevier publications database and on the database-aggregating platform EBSCO Host Web, published during the period 2010-2016. Results: Interventions associated with nurses' communication skills that promote the dignity of clients in palliative care were identified. The communication interventions that most promote dignity are those that transmit to the palliative client respect for their individuality and appreciation of their personal history. Conclusion: nurses should adopt a posture of empathic understanding, active listening, availability, attention to emotional needs, nonverbal components (such as physical presence and visual contact), management of expectations and encouragement of self-care.