The process of palliative sedation as viewed by physicians and nurses working in palliative care in Brazil

Abstract

The opinion of the physicians and nurses who participated in this study converged with the principal national and international guidelines on palliative sedation. However, even though it is a therapy that has been adopted in palliative care, it remains a controversial practice.

Level of knowledge, emotional impact and perception about the role of nursing professionals concerning palliative sedation

“…Regarding the decision‐making process, 97.56% of the participants stated that PS starts after a consensus among the patient, family and the palliative care team, as recommended in some studies (Abarshi et al., ; Cherny & Radbruch, ; Spineli et al., ; Venke Gran & Miller, ). The participants stated that the role of nursing is critical when the sedation is started, as the care involves a comprehensive approach to patients and families' situation, facilitating a complete understanding of their needs.…”

“…Although its administration is more common every day and there are several guidelines available, it is still a subject of much clinical, legal and ethical debate in different contexts (Abarshi et al., ; Leboul et al., ; Melia, ; Raus et al., ; Verkerk, van Wijlick, Legemaate, & de Graeff, ). Most guidelines on PS and studies regarding its use derive from developed countries (Abarshi et al., ; Schildmann & Schildmann, ) and data regarding guidelines, practices and perceptions of healthcare providers in developing regions (e.g., Latin America) are very scarce (Moyano, Zambrano, Ceballos, Santacruz, & Guerrero, ; Pelluchon, ; Soriano, Lima, Batista, Febles, & Morales, ; Spineli, Kurashima, & De Gutiérrez, ).…”

“…More recently, Spineli et al. () conducted a study to describe the process of PS from the viewpoint of Brazilian physicians and nurses. While the practice reflects the recommendations of international guidelines, barriers persist in its use, mostly due to family reluctance.…”

“…The results indicated the need to establish clinical guidelines for PS and educate professionals on end-of-life care. More recently, Spineli et al (2015) conducted a study to describe the process of PS from the viewpoint of Brazilian physicians and nurses.…”

Abordaje de los sintomas neurológicosdesde la perspectiva de los cuidados paliativos

“…El aporte multidisciplinario con frecuencia optimiza el control de los síntomas y la calidad de vida 32 pero enfermería es responsable de detectar las respuestas humanas que son objeto de cuidado. Cuando el paciente se encuentra al final de la vida, los profesionales de enfermería tienen preocupaciones que por lo general incluyen distinguir entre el dolor y la agitación, equilibrar los riesgos de sub y sobremedicación y la posibilidad de acelerar la muerte 75 .…”