Abstract
SummaryNon-verbal communication is important when caring for deaf patients, fostering excellence in health care. Aim: an analysis of the legal and sociocultural aspects of the relation between deaf patients and physicians. Methods: Computerized databases for the period between 1996 and 2006 were used for collecting data; the keywords “patient”, “deaf person”, “communication” and “health” were used. A non-systematic search was made in scientific publications. Results: These studies were grouped into two categories: communication between deaf patients and physicians, who has to deal with communication barriers when caring for deaf patients, and the importance of non-verbal communication in healthcare. Deaf persons, their language, and their relation with physicians show the importance of sign language, endorsed by the Federal Law 10.436/02. Conclusions: When deaf patients and physicians meet, they need to overcome communication barriers that may hinder the necessary bond in healthcare and the care that is provided; this may also affect the diagnosis and treatment. It is clear that public institutions should create programs for training healthcare professionals in the appropriate care of deaf patients.
Highlights
The year 2000 census of the Brazilian Geographical and Statistical Institute (IBGE) shows that there are 24.5 million physically impaired people in Brazil, which is about 14.5% of the country’s population
There is an undeniable need for improved communication between physicians and deaf patients; communication with deaf patients, remains neglected in health systems.[8]
The review showed that deaf patients and physicians face communication barriers that compromise the development of the bonds that are required in health care, which may negatively affect the diagnosis and treatment
Summary
The year 2000 census of the Brazilian Geographical and Statistical Institute (IBGE) shows that there are 24.5 million physically impaired people in Brazil, which is about 14.5% of the country’s population. 16.7% are hearing impaired; there are, 5,735,099 (five million, seven hundred and thirty five thousand and ninety nine) deaf people in Brazil.[1]. Interpersonal communication problems may be found in every health system; these issues become more significant when involving language and cultural barriers. The word “communicate” come from the Latin communicare, which means to “put in common.”. It assumes a measure of understanding between involved parties. Become pertinent: can medical doctors understand the non-verbal expression of their deaf patients? Become pertinent: can medical doctors understand the non-verbal expression of their deaf patients? And can deaf individuals understand the information their doctors convey?
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