Death And Grief in Palliative Care: Health Professionals' Experience

Objective: The study's main goal has been to analyze the discourse of nursing professionals regarding the care of patients under palliative care at the time of death and family mourning. Methods: It is a qualitative field research carried out with ten nursing professionals working at two hospitals in the City of Joao Pessoa, Paraiba State. Results: The analysis of the statements given by the professionals has shown their understanding of death, revealing their feelings and palliative care at the time of death, in addition to identifying family care and the difficulties faced during the grieving process. Conclusion: The research has shown gaps concerning the knowledge of nursing professionals concerning the process of death and mourning, making clear the need for encouraging the implementation of continuing education in palliative care services, focused on education to better understand the meaning of death in its dimensions, and to provide both patient and family with better assistance concerning the exercise of their profession.