Abstract

Introduction: Emotional Intelligence (EI) is recognized as a critical competency within palliative care, facilitating communication, ethical decision-making, and the reduction of emotional stress.
Objective: This study aimed to explore and critically interpret the extant literature regarding the impact of EI in palliative care, underscoring its benefits for professionals, patients, and their families.
Method: A narrative literature review was conducted, encompassing searches across the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, SciELO, Bitstream, and YouPublisher databases, covering publications from 2000 to 2025. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies, alongside case studies and reviews addressing EI in the palliative care setting, were included.
Results: The evidence indicates a positive impact of EI across four pivotal domains: empathic communication, ethical decision-making, stress management, and the well-being of patients and their families.
Conclusion: The enhancement of EI among palliative care professionals is essential for the humanization and quality of care. Thus, its integration into training programs and institutional practices is strongly recommended. Future research should prioritize the development and evaluation of targeted EI interventions in this context.

Keywords:Emotional intelligence; Palliative care; Empathy; Professional burnout; Health care providers