Atuação da fisioterapia nos cuidados paliativos geriátricos: uma revisão sobre abordagens e benefícios

Abstract

Geriatric palliative care has been associated with the need for healthcare strategies focused on symptom control, maintenance of functionality, and preservation of quality of life in older adults with advanced chronic diseases. However, there are still uncertainties regarding how physical therapy has been incorporated into this care context and which approaches have been described in recent scientific literature. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the physiotherapeutic approaches used in geriatric palliative care. To achieve this objective, a scoping review was carried out using the PubMed (MEDLINE) and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) databases. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 10 articles were selected to compose the study sample. The findings showed that geriatric palliative physical therapy has been developed through adapted therapeutic exercises, respiratory management, mobilization techniques, palliative rehabilitation, and continuous functional follow-up in hospitals, home care, and hospice institutions. Approaches related to symptom reduction, partial maintenance of autonomy, mobility improvement, and multiprofessional integration in elderly care were also identified. Part of the recent literature also discussed limitations related to professional training in palliative care and healthcare service organization. It was concluded that physical therapy in geriatric palliative care involves interventions focused on functionality, comfort, and symptom management, articulated with the clinical and functional needs of older patients with advanced illnesses.