Humor intervention in the nurse-patient interaction

• Main Authors: Luis Manuel Mota Sousa (Author), Cristina Maria Alves Marques-Vieira (Author), Ana Vanessa Antunes (Author), Maria de Fátima Graça Frade (Author), Sandy Pedro Silva Severino (Author), Olga Sousa Valentim (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Associação Brasileira de Enfermagem.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the factors influencing the use of humor in nursing care, its applicability and benefits. Method: A scoping review was performed using the Arksey and O'Mally methodology. A search for articles published between 2008 and 2018 was performed using the platforms EBSCO Host, Virtual Health Library and Google Scholar. Results: From the initial 465 articles found, 17 were included for final revision. Data allowed to retrieve information on humor definition; its applicability as a nursing intervention; humor as a tool to improve nurse-patient communication and relationship; influence factors; type of humor interventions; humor benefits in health care context and; limitations and precautions of humor intervention. Conclusion: The use of humor promotes both communication and human interaction; it promotes well-being; helps deal/cope with difficult and unpleasant situations, reduces tension, discomfort and stress; and strengthens the immune system. This intervention should be used with caution.

Item Description

1984-0446
10.1590/0034-7167-2018-0609