Strategies to humanize care in the intensive care unit and minimize the psychic suffering of terminally ill patients

Abstract

Introduction: The care provided in intensive care units (ICUs) for end-of-life patients extends beyond life support functions because it needs to address both physical needs and emotional and dignity aspects of patients. The combination of institutional elements with relational factors during these situations creates increased psychological distress, which makes it difficult to deliver complete care. Objectives: The research aims to find humanization methods in ICU patient care which help decrease emotional pain of terminally ill patients according to existing literature. Methodology: The research used a descriptive bibliographic method to analyze scientific articles from the past decade that matched both thematic criteria and methodological standards. Results: The research findings show that systematic implementation of listening with care and therapeutic touch and spiritual support and music therapy by nursing staff under institutional backing leads to reduced distress and decreased mental pain and enhanced peace during terminal periods. Conclusion: ICUs require humanization as an ethical and clinical necessity, which depends on proper staff education and organizational backing to maintain dignity during terminal situations.