Communication in health care from the experiences of Nursing students and teachers: contributions to health literacy

Abstract

The object of this study is communication about health in the training processes of nurses and the aim is to analyze the conceptions of teachers and students of an undergraduate nursing course about communication in regard to health based on the construct of health literacy. This is a descriptive, exploratory research, with a qualitative approach. Data were collected through individual narratives of students and semi-structured interviews with teachers at a public university. Data were analysed through inductive coding, supported by the Atlas T.I software, version 8.0 and using the theoretical framework of Health Literacy. The results identified two categories supported by the testimonies of students and teachers: 1) Communication in nursing care and health lite-racy; 2) Practice in communication skills during graduation. Students and teachers recognized the importance of communication and the relational process with patients in the classroom context. The need for practical and reflective tools is identified so that communication is experienced in a more dialogic and participatory manner, both with patients and in teaching-learning contexts, with the integration of affective, motivational and supportive elements.