Cuidados paliativos em oncologia: vivência de enfermeiros ao cuidar de crianças em fase final da vida.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate nurses' experience in caring for children with cancer under palliative care. Method: Exploratory study with a qualitative approach, conducted with twelve nurses through a semi-structured interview and submitted to content analysis. Results: Three thematic categories emerged: Perception of nurses about assistance to children with cancer in Palliative Care and support to family members, highlighting assistance focused on well-being and comfort; Care practices used by nurses to children with cancer in Palliative Care, with an approach focused on pain relief and other symptoms; Communication of bad news and appreciation of spirituality in child care in Palliative Care, in the context of terminality. Conclusion: The interviewees demonstrated that they experience assistance focused on the quality of life of children with cancer in palliative and family care. Greater investment in academic education is suggested in relation to the theme.