Humanized nursing care to cancer patients: An integrative review

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To verify how the nursing team promotes humanized care to cancer patients. METHOD: An integrative review, in which the steps described by Cooper were followed, using the SciELO, LILACS and BDENF databases and the descriptors of humanization of care, oncology and nursing. The inclusion criteria were the following: articles available in full and free of charge, in Portuguese, published between 2008 and 2018. Data was collected between the months of January and February 2019 and analyzed with content analysis, enabling the discussion of their results. RESULTS: The factors that promote humanized care are the following: welcoming; valuation of the patient and attention to his global needs; establishing a good relationship, good communication, active listening and creating bonds with the patient and his family; respect for the patient's individuality, autonomy and particularities; spiritual needs and faith; qualification of professionals; periodic team meetings; protection of patient's rights; development of recreational activities; and improving infrastructure in the hospital setting. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The factors that promote humanized care are directly related to the attitudes and behavior of the nursing professionals who assist patients guided by the National Health Humanization Policy.