A importância da linguagem de sinais na atuação profissional do fisioterapeuta

Abstract

Objective: To assess the importance of sign language in the professional practice of physical therapists. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study with a quantitative approach that included physical therapists, working in any area and who agreed to participate in the study. A questionnaire prepared by the authors themselves was applied, consisting of fourteen questions made available by the google forms platform. Descriptive data analysis was performed. Qualitative variables were presented using absolute and relative frequencies. Results: The study sample consisted of 112 physical therapists of both genders, of which 54 responded that they had already seen a deaf patient. 96% of physiotherapists who attended deaf patients reported some difficulty in expressing themselves to conduct the service, such as: interpretation of deaf language, effective communication, need for a companion. The physiotherapists assessed that knowledge in LIBRAS of some phrases could help in their care. The most frequent phrases were greetings, questions and guidelines. Conclusion: Knowledge of LIBRAS was considered important by physical therapists to improve the quality of care for deaf patients.