Conhecimento, atitudes e práticas dos profissionais de saúde sobre os cuidados paliativos a pacientes oncológicos

Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (CAP) of health professionals in relation to palliative care to cancer patients. Methods: It is a quantitative research with a cross section of the type CAP held at the Integral Medicine Institute Professor Fernando Figueira (IMIP) in the period from March 2016 to February 2017. Results: 57 nurses participated in the study and 43 physicians. Only 9% of nurses have expertise in the area of Oncology. In relation to the factors that influence the integration of palliative care to cancer patients there were referred to the cultural standard, care training, fear and family pressure. In clinical practice the doctors forward a few patients a month (5 to 10) for monitoring as an outpatient with the caregivers. Conclusion: It is evidenced the need for training of professionals, especially nurses who do not have expertise in the area, and the development of strategies that contribute to knowledge and attitudes in daily practice.