THE IMPORTANCE OF NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION IN THE PROVISION OF CARE: AN EXPERIENCE REPORT
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56238/arev7n8-023Keywords:
Health Care, Therapeutic Touch, Clinical Case, Non-Verbal CommunicationAbstract
Reflective practice, led by the Gibbs Cycle, is fundamental in the development of clinical, ethical and relational skills in nursing. This case study illustrates the importance of non-verbal communication in caring for people with chronic wounds, showing how simple gestures - such as the touch of a hand offered by a nursing student - can convey empathy, security and emotional support. The presence of family, represented by the patient's mother, reinforced the therapeutic role of the emotional support network. Body language, silence and active listening proved to be central elements in building a humanized relationship, highlighting that caring goes beyond the verbal. The experience shows that small gestures have a significant impact on the well-being of people in vulnerable situations. The conclusion is that the development of skills in therapeutic communication and observation should be encouraged in nursing training, with a view to providing care centered on the person and their family context.
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