SAINT CHRISTOPHER'S HOSPICE, A GLOBAL REFERENCE

LESSONS ON PALLIATIVE CARE

Abstract

Introduction: Palliative care constitutes a comprehensive approach directed at people with life-threatening illnesses and their families, with a focus on relieving suffering and promoting quality of life. Institutions specialized in end-of-life palliative care are characterized as spaces dedicated to the comprehensive care of individuals in advanced stages of illness. Among these experiences, Saint Christopher’s Hospice stands out as a British institution widely recognized as a historical milestone of modern palliative care and a reference for the organization of this type of care in different contexts. Objective: To analyze the institutional practices of Saint Christopher’s Hospice in palliative care, based on institutional documents, as potential sources of inspiration for other settings. Method: A qualitative documentary study, grounded in the analysis of institutional documents from Saint Christopher’s Hospice, using documentary analysis and thematic analysis. Results: The analysis revealed institutional practices structured around recurring thematic axes, including support for patients and families during illness and after death, encouragement of community and volunteer participation, investment in education and research, integrated multiprofessional teamwork in end-of-life care, management commitment to continuous service improvement, and the appreciation of institutional history as a constitutive element of its identity. Conclusion: The institutional practices of Saint Christopher’s Hospice demonstrate organizational and ethical-care principles that contribute to the qualification of palliative care at the end of life. These findings offer relevant references for reflection and adaptation of practices in other sociocultural contexts and health systems, while respecting local specificities.