Palliative care in highly complex oncology care: perceptions of nurses

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to identify the difficulties faced up to provide care for people hospitalized in the context of palliative care in a High Complexity Oncology Care Center at Rio de Janeiro State according to Nurses’ perception, and discuss strategies to better qualify nursing care in this context. Methods: This descriptive study used a qualitative approach. Institutional Review Board approval was obtained. We interviewed 13 Nurses, and applied the thematic analysis to the data. Results: Two categories emerged: daily life of Nurses in the presence of patients in palliative cancer care; and thinking about strategies to better qualify the nursing care. They highlighted the lack of knowledge in palliative care; the necessary creation of differentiated beds; and creation of institutional networks. Conclusion: The study alerts to the need for effective changes to assist these people, who depend on collective effort to qualify the practice and on further research.