Análise documental sobre cuidados paliativos no Sistema Único de Saúde: apontamentos sobre adoecimento e fim de vida

Abstract

Introduction: Death has an impact on life, generating questions and concerns. In this sense, the illness-end-of-life process brings possibilities for care and challenges. Objective: To analyze documents linked to the Unified Health System (SUS) on the phenomenon of death in Palliative Care. Method: Documentary research in the Ministry of Health database, from July 2023 to May 2024. Documents found using the terms “palliative care” and “end of life” were selected. Results: 16 documents were analyzed, including ordinances (n=10), opinions (n=2), resolutions (n=2) and publications (n=2). The documents expressed advances in the Palliative Care network in the SUS, which are still aimed at caring for cancer patients. The documents highlight the theme associated with comprehensive care, listening to the patient, care centered on the individual needs of each user, pain control, multidisciplinary work team, services in the health care network and the importance of facilitated access to network, for all users who have chronic illnesses. Palliative Care attention for patients at home appears as continuity of care. The scenario of death, the issue of recognizing the characteristics of each family for the phenomenon of death and family mourning were also identified. There is a need to strengthen themes about the finiteness of life and understanding about death, to become aware of being-for-death. Conclusion: The Palliative Care network has gained space in the SUS, requiring it to go beyond caring for cancer patients, which restricts its potential for strengthening end-of-life care for Brazilians. Courses, team discussions and research that raise awareness, reflections and knowledge about the phenomenon of death are recommended.