Palliative care for HIV/AIDS patients: bioethical principles adopted by nurses

This study sought to investigate the principles of bioethics considered by nurses involved in research while caring for patients with HIV/Aids under palliative care. An exploratory study, with a qualitative approach, was conducted with twelve nurses in a public hospital in the municipality of Joao Pessoa in the State of Paraiba. A form was used for data collection and the empirical material was analyzed qualitatively using the content analysis technique. The following categories emerged from the qualitative analysis: Respect for the autonomy of HIV/Aids patients under palliative care; and Enhancement of the principles of charity, non-malevolence and justice in providing palliative care to HIV/Aids patients. The results revealed that the participants acknowledge the importance of bioethical principles while caring for patients with HIV/Aids under palliative care. The work provides a reflection on and elicits the pursuance of further studies which can contribute to improve the quality of life of these patients with care based on ethical principles.