BAD NEWS COMMUNICATION IN PALLIATIVE CARE AND THE CONSPIRACY OF SILENCE IN ONCOLOGY CARE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36489/nursing.2026v31i334p13186-13200Keywords:
Cuidados paliativos, Oncologia, Equipe Multidisciplinar, Comunicação em SaúdeAbstract
Palliative care is a healthcare approach aimed at promoting quality of life, alleviating physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering, and preserving the dignity of patients and their families. In this context, communication particularly in the delivery of bad news plays a central role in oncological care. This study aims to analyze, based on a student experience report in an oncology service, the implications of the conspiracy of silence in healthcare practice. It is a qualitative study grounded in curricular internship experiences, field diary records, dialogue with a multidisciplinary team, and literature review. Findings indicate that family members often request the omission or restriction of information regarding diagnosis and prognosis, thereby limiting patient autonomy and influencing decision-making processes. Evidence suggests that strategies such as active listening, empathy, family meetings, and the use of structured communication protocols strengthen the therapeutic relationship, enhance understanding, and improve the quality of palliative care delivery.
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