Conhecimento da enfermagem sobre cuidados paliativos: uma revisão de escopo

Abstract

Objective: Map and synthesize the evidence available in the scientific literature about the nursing team's knowledge about palliative care in care practice. Methods: Scope review conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute method and registered on the open science platform. The search was carried out in three databases with broad health coverage, from March to April 2026, using controlled descriptors combined with Boolean operators. Two independent reviewers selected the studies through a reference management program and the analysis was descriptive. Results: Nine scientific articles were included. A pattern of insufficient to moderate knowledge among professionals was evident, predominantly focused on the management of physical pain and symptom control, with the persistence of pharmacological myths about opioids. Low self-competence was identified in the psychosocial and spiritual dimensions, in addition to communicative difficulties in the face of terminal illness, cultural taboos, paternalistic attitudes and high psychological exhaustion characterized by professional mourning. Conclusion: Nursing knowledge about palliative care appears to be technically consistent in the biological sphere, but scientifically fragmented. It is essential to strengthen evidence-based continuing education and structure institutional psychological support for workers.