Nursing care in patients with terminal cancer in the palliative care unit during the pandemic, nursing perspectives

Abstract

Introduction: during the pandemic, nursing staff in the palliative care unit had to quickly adapt to an unknown situation, marked by uncertainty and constant changes in their action protocols.Objective: determine the perception of nursing care in patients with terminal-stage cancer in times of pandemic in the palliative care unit in a hospital in the city of Guayaquil.Method: qualitative, exploratory and phenomenological approach, guiding an interview with 15 nurses of the palliative care service.Results: the absence of an institutional model of palliative care in the hospital stands out, although the Ministry of Public Health (MSP) guidelines themselves are used and are not socialized. Despite the dedication of the health team, there are shortcomings in resources, a lack of specialized training and the need to select personnel with a vocation for palliative care. The needs of the patients include the eradication of symptoms and the relief of physical discomfort, while the needs of the nurse refer to the change in the service due to the emotional impact produced by the suffering of the patients. During the course of Covid-19, the isolation of the patient was generated, promoting their loneliness and anguish, in addition, the lack of resources, medical assistance and the support of their families predominated.Conclusions: comprehensive care, covering medical, psychological, social, economic and spiritual aspects, emerges as a crucial factor to alleviate physical discomfort, provide emotional support and preserve the dignity of patients during this stage