PERSPECTIVES OF THE NURSING TEAM ON INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION IN THE PEDIATRIC WARD

Abstract

Effective communication is an essential pillar in the safety and humanization of care, becoming an increasing challenge in contexts of cultural and linguistic diversity. In pediatric nursing, communication assumes an even more sensitive role, as it involves children and families who often do not master the local language, requiring professionals to adopt creative strategies to ensure understanding and safety in care. OBJECTIVE: To understand how communication occurs between the nursing team and foreign patients in the pediatric ward. METHODOLOGY: Qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory study conducted in accordance with the COREQ guidelines. Fourteen nursing professionals from a pediatric ward of a public hospital in western Paraná were interviewed through semi-structured interviews. The data, transcribed by the researchers and categorized using Atlas.ti software, were analyzed through Bardin’s (2011) Content Analysis. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS: It was evidenced that communication failures compromise informed consent, increase the risk of medication errors, and heighten family anxiety. Although the team employs creative strategies such as gestures, mimicry, and translation apps, professionals recognize the limitations and inaccuracy of these approaches. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that efficient intercultural communication requires a serious institutional commitment, based on the implementation of inclusive hospital policies, the provision of professional interpreters, continuous training in cultural competence, and the adoption of multilingual informational materials. Such measures are crucial to ensure equitable, safe, and person-centered care in a context of growing diversity.