Comunicación honesta y compasiva en la toma de decisiones al final de la vida en cuidados paliativos: revisión de alcance
Honest and compassionate communication in end-of-life decision-making in palliative care: scoping review
Resumen
RESUMEN
Aunque morir es parte de la vida, muchas veces ocurre en contextos clínicos marcados por incertidumbre y sufrimiento, lo que hace imprescindible una comunicación más humana en cuidados paliativos. El objetivo de este estudio fue mapear la evidencia disponible sobre la comunicación honesta y compasiva en la toma de decisiones al final de la vida. Se realizó una revisión de alcance siguiendo las directrices del Joanna Briggs Institute y PRISMA-ScR. Se consultaron bases de datos como PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct y SciELO (2010–2025). Se incluyeron estudios en inglés y español que abordaran la comunicación en contextos paliativos. Se incluyeron 29 estudios, con predominio de diseños cualitativos. Se evidenció que la comunicación honesta y compasiva favorece la comprensión de la enfermedad, fortalece la participación del paciente y mejora la calidad de las decisiones. Asimismo, se identificaron estrategias efectivas como la comunicación temprana, centrada en la persona y con validación emocional. Sin embargo, persisten barreras relacionadas con la formación, factores emocionales y limitaciones del entorno. En conclusión, la comunicación honesta y compasiva constituye un pilar del cuidado paliativo, siendo clave para decisiones más humanas y centradas en el paciente.
ABSTRACT
Although death is a natural part of life, it often occurs in clinical settings marked by uncertainty and suffering, highlighting the need for more human-centered communication in palliative care. The aim of this study was to map the available evidence on honest and compassionate communication in end-of-life decision-making. A scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines and PRISMA-ScR recommendations. Databases such as PubMed, SCOPUS, ScienceDirect, and SciELO were searched (2010–2025). Studies in English and Spanish addressing communication in palliative care contexts were included. A total of 29 studies were analyzed, with a predominance of qualitative designs. The findings showed that honest and compassionate communication enhances understanding of the disease, strengthens patient participation, and improves the quality of decision-making. Effective strategies identified included early, patient-centered communication with emotional validation. However, barriers related to training, emotional factors, and contextual limitations persist. In conclusion, honest and compassionate communication is a fundamental pillar of palliative care, playing a key role in supporting more humane, patient-centered decisions at the end of life.
Recibido: 08-03-2026.
Aceptado: 30-04-2026.
Publicado: 29-05-2026
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Depósito Legal Electrónico: ME2016000090
ISSN Electrónico: 2610-797X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.53766/GICOS
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