A arte do cuidar numa equipa de suporte em cuidados paliativos

Translated title of the thesis: The art of taking care in a palliative support team

Marisa Daniela Álvaro Fonseca (Student)

Student thesis: Master's Thesis

Abstract

The aim of this internship is to obtain skills through training, critical and analytical reflection for human care, integral to the construction of a dignified dying process and for consistent and adequate decision-making to the effective needs of the person in the end of life and its family. The provision of specialized nursing care was based on active, dynamic and participatory methodologies in order to integrate and apply the acquired theoretical knowledge. Evidencing that I paid attention to care, centered on the patient and its family, obedience to ethical and deontological principles and the guarantee of quality care. These skills were developed through a facilitative and person-centered communication style, critical and reflective analysis and the establishment of a helping relationship. Teamwork was also always a concern, in order to acquire and deepen teamwork strategies, namely, to collaborate effectively in the provision of care, as well as to participate in weekly meetings. In terms of symptom control, I developed skills in assessing needs, evaluating and monitoring symptoms. I also took pharmacological and non-pharmacological measures with the goal of the best to the patient. In terms of family support, I emphasize family conferences as a facilitating tool for family integration in patient care. Participation in the field of management, training and research allowed not only the development of skills but also promoted changes and new forms of intervention. The need to maintain care at this stage is very important, aiming at comfort and quality of life, which includes a dignified death, which is, accompanied, with adequate health care, including all the needs of the person in the final stage of life.