Fisioterapia em cuidados paliativos

: acção e comunicação no acompanhamento dos doentes

Abstract

The physiotherapist participation in the palliative care process contributes to improve the quality of life, diminishing the pain and promoting the well being of the patient. Much of the physiotherapist action is developed through the communication with the patient, as well as with families and the work team. Communication is a process in which people are allowed to change information not only about them, but also about the world in which they live. The objective is to reduce uncertainty, preoccupation and expectation, to improve relationships and to indicate a direction to the patient and his family. Honesty in the communication process is an ethic imperative for a true clinical practice. Learn and practice communication techniques are an increasing need and necessary skill for a good practice in health care. The investigation of the Communicative Action Theory by Jürgen Habermas, illustrates this new model of acting and communication. This theory involves different forms of acting (performative attitude, acting for mutual understanding, interpersonal relationship and intersubjectivity) and communicating (where speech ethic and its rules are mentioned; validity claims, truth, rightness and sincerity or authenticity; it indicates references of the objective, subjective and social world). Its acceptance is a guarantor of the communicative competence, so important to a communication relationship. The reflection upon Habermas theory corresponds to an ethic perspective with standard criteria being itself, a theoretical tool capable of being put in practice. I am determined to contribute not only with new forms of acting with patients and families, but also on the change of attitude of health professionals, aiming at a material improvement in the human relationship, respect, communication and dignity of the human being. This change of attitude can also be extended to other health departments.

Date of Award	2 Feb 2013
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	José Almeida (Supervisor)