Cuidados paliativos na UTI: compreensão, limites e possibilidades por enfermeiros

Abstract

Objective: to verify the comprehension, limits and possibilities faced by nurses to perform palliative care for patients in the ICU of a hospital in João Pessoa/PB. Method: qualitative study conducted in April and May 2011 with six ICU nurses. We used a questionnaire containing data characterizing the sample and two guiding questions. The data were analyzed according to the Collective Subject Discourse. Result: multidisciplinary actions to promote well-being and comfort to patients and their families; actions that do not result in improvement. Limits: ack of trained professionals and a specific protocol for palliative care; spiritual support to the patient, a prescription and do not offer palliative care. The possibilities: perform actions that provide comfort and pain relief. Conclusion: ICU nurses have limitations with respect to patient care terminal and your family.