Systemic family approach to life closure in palliative care in Primary Health Care

Introduction: Closure of life composes the lexicon of palliative care by including tasks of preparation for death such as facing unfinished business in the personal, spiritual, family, social, financial, and legal dimensions. Supporting family members and patients regarding measures related to death...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Alves, Hugo Sant' Anna, Fernandes, Carmen Luiza Correa
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2023
País:Brasil
Institución:Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina de Família e Comunidade (SBMFC)
Repositorio:Revista Brasileira de Medicina de Família e Comunidade (Online)
Idioma:portugués
OAI Identifier:oai:ojs.rbmfc.org.br:article/3860
Acceso en línea:https://rbmfc.org.br/rbmfc/article/view/3860
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Relações Familiares
Cuidados Paliativos
Atenção Primária à Saúde
Relaciones Familiares
Atención Primaria de Salud
Family Relations
Palliative Care
Primary Health Care
Descripción
Sumario:Introduction: Closure of life composes the lexicon of palliative care by including tasks of preparation for death such as facing unfinished business in the personal, spiritual, family, social, financial, and legal dimensions. Supporting family members and patients regarding measures related to death is a constitutive part of the work in Primary Health Care (PHC). At this intersection, the systemic family approach offers a set of clinical and communication tools that can be used in a timely manner for palliative care at this level of health care. Objective: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the applicability of systemic family approach tools in palliative care in PHC. Methods: The article described qualitative research through a case study, analyzing the solutions adopted by a family receiving home care in PHC to bring closure to their lives. Data were collected from family members’ narratives based on the use of family approach tools by a Family Practice resident physician and team. Results: The systemic family intervention preordained the tasks of life closure allowing manifestations of pacification in relationships, spiritual connection, financial resolutions, and distribution of sentimental goods, preparation for death and promotion of effective mourning. Conclusion: The systemic family approach to ending end-of-life tasks proved to be appropriate and feasible. It equalized care support in the available time and the patients’ wishes regarding unfinished business. Primary Care professionals are in a privileged position to apply these care tools.