The role of the nurse in pediatric palliative care: an integrative literature review

Abstract

The role of nurses in pediatric palliative care is essential to ensuring humanized and comprehensive care for children and their families. These professionals play a central role in symptom management, emotional support, and continuous care for families throughout the entire care process. The objective of this study is to identify and summarize, in the national literature, the role of nurses in the palliative care of pediatric patients. This is an integrative literature review, conducted using the BVS and SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online) databases. The following descriptors were used: oncology, palliative care, hospitalized child, psychological stress, patient comfort, neoplasms, nursing professional role, nurse, and cancer. The Boolean operator used was "AND". Empirical articles and literature reviews published in full, in Portuguese, in Brazil, between January 2010 and March 2023 were included. Duplicates, commentaries, editorials, grey literature, and articles that did not address the study objective were excluded. A total of 3,106 articles were found, of which 8 met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. The findings revealed that nursing practice in pediatric palliative care must be humanized, empathetic, and centered on the needs of the child and their family. The main focus is on pain relief, comfort, and the promotion of quality of life, with emphasis on effective communication and the use of playful strategies. The importance of professional training is also highlighted, as it is crucial for providing sensitive and comprehensive care in end-of-life situations. The role of nurses in pediatric palliative care is fundamental for promoting comfort, emotional support, and quality of life for children and their families. Specific training for healthcare professionals is indispensable to ensure ethical, sensitive, and holistic care.