Estruturação dos Cuidados Paliativos no Brasil: Uma Análise Documental

Abstract

Demographic and epidemiological changes in Brazil indicate that a significant portion of the population will face a process of conscious finitude, marked by chronic and degenerative diseases. Faced with this scenario, it is essential to offer health care that fully meets patients' physical, emotional, spiritual and social needs, from diagnosis to the end of life, prioritizing quality of life. Palliative care (PC) has emerged as an essential approach to caring for people with life-threatening illnesses. The aim of this study was to analyze the structuring of palliative care in Brazil by identifying federal health legislation, epidemiological data and information contained in the Atlas of Palliative Care in Brazil. The results point to a disparity between the demand for these services and their actual supply, as well as significant weaknesses in the recording of PC-related activities. The conclusion is that in order to meet the challenges posed by the new epidemiological reality, it is essential to invest in the expansion and qualification of PC services, guaranteeing comprehensive care and the dignity of patients in all cases, based on the implementation of recent public policies.