THE USE OF COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES IN PALLIATIVE CARE: BENEFITS AND PURPOSES

Abstract

This exploratory-descriptive study was an excerpt from the research project undertaken in 2011 to 2012, and aimed to analyze the use of complementary therapies in palliative care by Brazilian institutions accredited with the Brazilian and Latin-American Associations of Palliative Care. Data collection, with six representatives of the health services, occurred through a semi-structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed quantitatively using simple percentages, and qualitatively, based in Content Analysis. The results revealed that music therapy, acupuncture and massage were the modalities used most in palliative care; the complementary therapies, allied with conventional treatment, help to relieve the patients’ anxiety, depression and pain, promoting relaxation, and facilitating the relationship with, and the interaction between, professional-patient-family. Thus, the use of the complementary therapies in palliative care must be valued and used by trained professionals, as it contributes to improving quality of life.

Keywords

• Palliative care
• Complementary therapy
• Nursing