The relation between deaf patients and the doctor.
Non-verbal communication is important when caring for deaf patients, fostering excellence in health care.


OBJECTIVE
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.
Chaveiro
Neuma
N
Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Goiás. neumachaveiro@ig.com.br
Porto
Celmo Celeno
CC
Barbosa
Maria Alves
MA
D001938:Brazil; D003144:Communication Barriers; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D006801:Humans; D019986:Persons with Hearing Disabilities / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D012813:Sign Language