Abstract
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Introduction: Accessible communication is essential to ensure the quality, safety, and humanization of nursing care. In the care of deaf people, however, healthcare professionals may face difficulties in establishing effective communication and ensuring adequate access to health information.
Objective: To understand the communication barriers present in nursing care for deaf people, considering their implications for health care and access to health information.
Methods: A qualitative study was conducted with 16 deaf people in the federal district, Brazil, who were interviewed between April and June 2025. The interviews addressed the communication experiences of nurses and deaf people, as well as the difficulties encountered in providing, understanding, and using information related to health care.
Results: The reports revealed barriers that may hinder nurses’ practice, particularly limited communication in Brazilian sign language (Libras), the absence of or difficulty accessing sign language interpreters, reliance on family members to mediate communication, and the predominant use of oral or written communication. These situations were associated with difficulties in understanding information about medications, treatments, prevention, diagnosis, chronic disease management, and self-care.
Discussion: The identified barriers highlight the need to strengthen nurses’ training in accessible communication and to incorporate visual resources, Brazilian sign language, and digital technologies into educational practices. Innovation in communication can promote greater autonomy, safety, and participation of deaf people in their own care.
Conclusion: Overcoming communication barriers requires professional training, inclusive strategies, and innovation in nursing practice. Promoting accessible communication can contribute to equitable, safe, and person-centered care for deaf people, strengthening nursing’s impact on the transformation of health systems.
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