The present study had the purpose of identifying characteristics of the scientific production on Nursing Communication based on a sample of papers presented at four events of the Brazilian Symposium on Nursing Communication (1988, 1990, 1992 and 1994). The majority of authors were faculty, who developed research mainly in groups, focussing as subjects the dyad (professionals and clientele), establishing as objects of their studies aspects of interaction (quality and effectiveness) as well as aspects of the production and utilization of Nursing knowledge. Interpersonal context was the most investigated, care was the area most studied and the usual environment was the hospital. Research were mainly of non-experimental type. Results evidenced aspects of communication inadequateness in areas of care (including administration), education (mainly of clientele) and research. At the same time, authors perceived the trend towards innovative solutions and improvement of knowledge on the communication process.
nursing communication; scientific production
