Libras at the Hospital: An interface between education and health

UMA INTERFACE ENTRE EDUCAÇÃO E SAÚDE

Abstract

This work is an experience report during my field practice as a hospital psychologist at a State Hospital in Baixada Fluminense of Rio de Janeiro. The objective was to reflect on health care for the deaf population in hospitals, focusing on effective communication between hospital psychologists and deaf patients. During the rounds of the psychology team, proposals for reflection on communicational difficulties in health care for the deaf population emerged. As a result, difficulties were highlighted such as lack of knowledge in Libras, lack of patience on the part of health professionals, discomfort and lack of autonomy for deaf people during consultations. In view of the above, it is necessary for health professionals to be trained in Libras and the life contexts of deaf people to provide quality care, comfort and empowerment to deaf people regarding health demands.