COVID-19, Bioethics and Palliative Care: Dialogues between Health, Technology and Human Dignity in Brazil

Abstract

The inclusion of Palliative Care (PC) in assistance strategies for patients suffering from COVID-19 is necessary not only due to the urgent need to optimize resources, but also due to the right to be assured of dignity and comfort in the face of an illness. that threatens life. Aiming to discuss the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the practice of PC in Brazil and its adequacy to the principlist bioethical model in the context of social distancing, a systematic review of the literature was carried out with the inclusion of six articles. The effects of the pandemic on PC practice highlighted weaknesses that already existed in the Brazilian health system. However, the complexity of facing humanitarian crisis situations and its implications for reflections on bioethical parameters cannot be ignored. Doubts that arose regarding the allocation of scarce resources, relief of suffering and patient autonomy brought to light the need for greater preparation on the part of health professionals when faced with dilemmatic situations. This study highlights that the low government investment in the training and qualification of PC teams became evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the importance of this practice to promote the physical, mental and spiritual well-being of hospitalized patients. under isolation regime. The resilience and empathy of healthcare professionals were fundamental during the pandemic, when they used new technologies to provide emotional meetings between patients and families and alleviate their suffering.