Aphasic patients in the hospital from the perspective of a healthcare team: implications for care

Purpose  The hospital is often where individuals with aphasia encounter an enigmatic linguistic condition involving different speaking/listening/writing methods. This article aims to analyze the implications of linguistic symptoms in the care provided by a health team to individuals with aphasia in a general hospital linked to the Unified Health System (SUS).

Methods  This qualitative exploratory study used semi-structured interviews. It included professionals from the following categories: nursing, physiotherapy, speech-language-hearing therapy, medicine, nutrition, psychology, nursing technician, occupational therapy, and social work.

Results  The research participants highlighted the difficulties and challenges imposed by the communicative restrictions experienced in hospital care for individuals with aphasia and the implications of linguistic symptoms for multiprofessional care. Language symptoms raise questions and anxiety in health professionals, who face concerns triggered by providing care for these patients.

Conclusion  The interviews showed that aphasia imposes challenges, given the effects of communicative restrictions on the health team in hospital care. It is important to establish comprehensive care based on interprofessionality, the different dimensions of healthcare, and the diversity of ways of life.

Keywords:
Aphasia; Hospitalization; Patient Care Team; Tertiary Healthcare; Humanization of Assistance