Early integration of palliative care; implications for people with chronic diseases

Introduction: Globally, there is a growing number of population with noncommunicable and aging diseases that are eligible for palliative care. Objective: To analyze when palliative care should be integrated in people with non-oncological chronic diseases and the implications of its implementation. Methodology: Review of scientific literature in the Web of Science, PubMed and CINAHL databases, using the descriptors palliative care, chronic diseases, and benefits. Results: 28 scientific articles were selected, identifying four categories: palliative care for all; early integration of palliative care; strategies for implementation; benefits of palliative care integration. Conclusions: Palliative care is a strategy of care for all people with complex chronic pathologies, which should be integrated early, in an active, multidimensional and safe way, under the wing of a trained and coordinated health team at different levels of care.