The Role of Psychology in the Use of Soft Technologies in Palliative Care

Abstract

Soft technologies, grounded in interpersonal relationships, communication, welcoming practices, and the construction of bonds, play a central role in the production of healthcare. In palliative care, these technologies become essential for promoting dignity, autonomy, and quality of life for people with life-threatening illnesses. Psychology stands out in this context by acting directly on the emotional, subjective, and relational dimensions of the illness and dying process. This is a narrative literature review with a qualitative and exploratory approach. The databases PePSIC, SciELO, PubMed, and Web of Science were consulted using the descriptors “soft technologies,” “palliative care,” “Psychology,” and “Health” in Portuguese. The time frame covered five years and included nine articles and one book by Merhy (1999), selected based on thematic relevance and free availability. The studies show that soft technologies promote the humanization of care through qualified listening, welcoming, empathy, and the construction of bonds. The psychologist’s work contributes to the reduction of psychological distress, conflict mediation, strengthening communication among patients, families, and healthcare teams, as well as promoting autonomy. Tools such as Advance Directives and farewell rituals were identified as relational strategies that enhance the dying process and support grief elaboration. Soft technologies are fundamental for implementing humanized practices in palliative care. Psychology plays a strategic role by valuing subjectivity, dignity, and patient protagonism, contributing to a more ethical, sensitive, and meaningful end-of-life experience. Investment in professional training is essential to strengthen communicational and relational skills in palliative care.