Brás, Manuel AlbertoMachado, DoraCuropos, LíliaFerreira, MarisaBeirão, Pedro2026-02-062026-02-062025Brás, Manuel Alberto; Machado, Dora; Curopos, Lília; Ferreira, Marisa; Beirão, Pedro (2025). Emotional intelligence as a cornerstone of palliative care: a narrative review. COJ Biomedical Science & Research. ISSN 2832-4412. 2:4, p. 1-32832-4412http://hdl.handle.net/10198/35695Emotional Intelligence (EI) refers to the capacity to recognize and regulate emotions, both in oneself and in interactions with others, emphasizing self-awareness and subsequently social awareness, with an emphasis on responsibility, empathy, and compassion [1]. Emotional competence becomes particularly salient within the healthcare context, a field encompassing the physical, emotional, and social dimensions of the human being. EI plays a central role in the overall well-being and performance of healthcare professionals, directly influencing the quality of care delivered. Salovey & Mayer [2] pioneered the concept of EI as the ability to monitor and regulate emotions to guide thoughts and actions. This competency is widely acknowledged as essential for effective communication, clinical decision-making, and the promotion of well-being for both patients and professionals [3-5]. It also serves as a protective factor against burnout [6,7]. Clinical communication models incorporate emotional competencies [8] highlight EI’s role in mediating interactions among professionals, patients, and families in end-of-life care. Emotional intelligence; Palliative care; Empathy; Professional burnout; Health care providersengEmotional intelligencePalliative careEmpathyProfessional burnoutjournal article10.31031/COJBSR.2025.02.000542