Body language in health care: a contribution to nursing communication

quantitative research with the systematic observation of 21:43 care situations, with 21 members representing the nursing teams of two hospitals. Empirical categories: sound, facial, eye and body expressions.

Results:

sound expressions emphasized laughter. Facial expressions communicated satisfaction and happiness. Eye contact with members stood out in visual expressions. The most frequent body expressions were head movements and indistinct touches.

Conclusion:

nursing care team members use body language to establish rapport with patients, clarify their needs and plan care. The study classifi ed body language characteristics of humanized care, which involves, in addition to technical, non-technical issues arising from nursing communication.

Key words:
Nursing Care; Nonverbal Communication; Human Body; Emotions

Verbal expressions of participants in interaction	Nursing staff						Patients
	GH		SH		f	%	GH		SH		f	%
	Yes	No	Yes	No	f	%	Yes	No	Yes	No	f	%
- Laughter	8	16	20	22	66	49,6	19	17	20	22	78	67,9
- Soft and caring tone of voice to soothe or nurture	1	23	15	27	66	49,6	---	36	---	36		31,3
- Other sounds (Ai! Ah! Oh! Eh! Psst!)	1	---	---	---	1	0,8	1	---	---	---	1	0,8
Total	10	62	35	49	133	100,0	20	88	20	22	115	100,0

Facial expressions of participants in interaction	Nursing staff				Patients
Facial expressions of participants in interaction	GH	SH	f	%	GH	SH	f	%
- Happy	17	36	53	75,7	18	29	47	55,8
- Serious	5	4	9	12,9	2	6	8	9,5
- Pleased	4	2	6	8,6	8	4	12	14,3
- Worried	---	---	---	---	---	3	3	3,6
- Confident	1	---	1	1,4	1	---	1	1,2
- Indifferent	1	---	1	1,4	1	2	3	3,6
- Confused	---	---	---	---	---	2	2	2,4
- Tired	---	---	---	---	---	2	1	1,2
- Irritated	---	---	---	---	---	1	1	1,2
- Focused	---	---	---	---	2	---	2	2,4
- Embarrassed (awkward)	---	---	---	---	2	---	2	2,4
- Disappointed	---	---	---	---	1	---	1	1,2
- Curious	---	---	---	---	1	---	1	1,2
Total	24		70	100,0		42	84	100,0

Eye expressions of participants in interactions	Nursing staff						Patients
	GH		SH		f	%	GH		SH		f	%
	Yes	No	Yes	No	f	%	Yes	No	Yes	No	f	%
- Keep eye contact, with dialog	24	---	42	---	66	36,7	30	6	31	12	79	28,6
- Keep eye contact, with dialog	21	27	42	---	90	50,0	11	61	12	31	115	41,6
- Break eye contact	4	20	---	---	24	13,3	15	21	19	12	82	29,8
Total	49	47	84	---	180	100,0	56	88	62	55	276	100,0

Bodily expressions of participants in interaction	Nursing staff						Patients
	GH		SH		f	%	GH		SH		f	%
	Yes	No	Yes	No	f	%	Yes	No	Yes	No	f	%
- Head movements	23	1	42	---	66	32,7	26	10	42	---	88	36,5
- Light touch	20	---	40	10	70	34,6	1	22	23	29	75	31,1
- Excessive physical closeness when talking	3	21	2	40	66	32,7	2	34	1	41	78	32,4
Total	46	22	84	50	202	100,0	29	66	66	70	241	100,0

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[1] CORRESPONDING AUTHOR: Rachel de Carvalho de Rezende. E-mail: hakura.purple@gmail.com