Communication between employees of a health unit and deaf patients: a problem?

Abstract

The communication between health professionals and the deaf patient has been a barrier that reduces the efficiency of their care. The decree Nº. 5.626 requires that at least 5 % of the employees of the public service units must be trained for the use and interpretation of Libras. Objective: to investigate the communication of employees with deaf patients in a health care facility, and subsequent compliance with the decree Nº. 5626. Methods: cross-sectional study using a questionnaire applied to 40 employees of a Health Unit of the Unified Health System (SUS) in Belém, PA. Results: 80% of the participants (n: 32) attends deaf people, although not being prepared for this (n: 39- 97, 5 %) and not knowing the Brazilian Sign Language (Libras), (n: 37- 92, 5 %). Among the respondents 77.5 % (n: 31) is aware of the existence and necessity of knowing Libras , but do not look for preparation due to lack of time, of course information , financial problems and not viewing the importance of learning the language specifically . Almost all 97.5 % (n: 39) would like the unit to provide the specific course of Libras. Conclusion: There is a lack of preparation of staff in the care of the patients and Decree No. 5.626 of 22/12 /2005, although approved, is not being fulfilled..