THE NURSE FACING CHALLENGES IN LIBRAS COMMUNICATION: AN INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Objective: To identify the main challenges in deaf individuals’ access to healthcare in Brazil and how nurses can take a leading role in potential improvement actions for healthcare assistance to this group. Methods: This is an integrative literature review study, in which electronic data were surveyed on the Virtual Health Library (VHL). Articles with a time frame between 2018 and 2023 were selected to provide theoretical support for the study, based on two search strategies: the keywords "Libras in Healthcare" and "Libras in Nursing Health" were entered into the VHL search field. Results: Fourteen studies were located following PRISMA recommendations. Discussion: The selected studies were divided into four distinct categories - investigative and informative studies on barriers in Libras communication in healthcare, studies discussing the academic training of health professionals related to Brazilian Sign Language, studies highlighting communication barriers with deaf patients from the perspective of healthcare professionals, and studies highlighting communication barriers with deaf patients from the perspective of deaf patients. Based on these found articles, it was possible to verify that most nursing professionals face challenges in providing quality care to deaf patients due to limited knowledge of Brazilian Sign Language (Libras). Additionally, there is a weakness in the training of these healthcare professionals regarding Brazilian Sign Language and low incentive and initiative for autonomous language study. Final Considerations: Effective communication in Libras is vital for inclusion in health. Nurses play a central role, but there is a shortage of studies. It is crucial to train nurses and promote inclusion to ensure quality healthcare for deaf patients.