PROJETO DE EXTENSÃO “UM SORRISO PELA VIDA”: A PRÁTICA DA RISOTERAPIA NA HUMANIZAÇÃO DA ATENÇÃO À SAÚDE

Abstract

This article describes the actions and results of the outreach project “A Smile for Life”, which involved clowns dressed as doctors and laughter therapy in order to develop psychological benefits for both hospitalized / institutionalized patients and participants, in addition to developing a biopsychosocial view of health care. The study was motivated by several challenges, which generated stress factors in university students, and by the process of health professional education, who faced difficulties related to a humanized relationship with patients. Participants observed and reported the development of communication skills, empathy, the ability to face adverse situations and the reduction of stress through playful activities. In addition, hospitalized patients and their companions reported feeling better with the presence of the “doctors”. This approach improved the experience and the quality of hospitalization. Therefore, the project demonstrated a positive benefit for both participants and the external community involved.