The role of nursing in the implementation of palliative care in healthcare units for the elderly

Abstract The integration of palliative care into healthcare units for the elderly is essential for ensuring quality end-of-life care. Nurses play a central role in this process, providing symptom management, emotional support, and coordination of care while advocating for patients' preferences. Effective implementation of palliative care requires specialized knowledge, strong interdisciplinary collaboration, and institutional support. However, challenges such as inadequate training, staffing shortages, and disparities in access to palliative services persist, impacting the consistency and quality of care provided to elderly patients. Research highlights the need for continuous education programs to enhance nurses' competencies in palliative care, as well as the development of innovative care models that facilitate collaboration between nursing staff and specialized palliative teams. Additionally, systemic barriers, including uneven distribution of palliative resources and regional disparities in service availability, underscore the need for policy changes to ensure equitable access to quality end-of-life care. Investments in structured palliative care programs, increased funding for multidisciplinary teams, and improvements in pain management protocols are critical in addressing these gaps. Despite these challenges, nurses remain at the forefront of palliative care delivery, leveraging their clinical expertise and compassionate approach to improve the well-being of elderly patients. Strengthening nursing education, promoting standardized care practices, and enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration can significantly improve palliative care outcomes in healthcare units for the elderly, ultimately fostering a more patient-centered approach that respects dignity and quality of life in the final stages.