THE CARE IN LIBRAS AS A GUARANTEE OF UNIVERSALITY, INTEGRALITY AND EQUITY IN ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The Brazilian Sign Language (LIBRAS) is the main communication of the deaf community. However, this language is still not widespread, fostering prejudice and inequality suffered by this minority, including in health. In this sense, the lack of knowledge in LIBRAS compromises the assistance to the deaf, because it hinders doctor-patient communication. Thus, this review aims to analyze the use and teaching of LIBRAS as a guarantee of accessibility in health and compliance with the guidelines of the Unified Health System (SUS). METHODOLOGY: This study focused on a narrative review, elaborated through scientific research, using the descriptors: "Access to Health Services", "Communication", "Deafness", "Medical Education" and "Unified Health System (SUS)". Furthermore, inclusion (methodological quality and content) and exclusion (absence of keywords related to the theme, exclusive approaches to deafblindness and duplicate texts) criteria were defined. RESULTS: 11 Brazilian articles from 2009 to 2020. From the bibliographic research, the information were organized in two tables and divided into: title; authors; year of publication; database; journal name; type of publication; keywords, main results and conclusion. DISCUSSION: Although the Brazilian legislation ensures adequate health care to people with hearing loss, a significant portion of the deaf do not receive the expected care, due to the lack of knowledge of LIBRAS by doctors. Therefore, the principles of the Unified Health System are violated, and the assistance to the deaf is impaired. CONCLUSION: In view of this, LIBRAS proved to be fundamental in humanized care, by respecting the individuality of the deaf and ensuring a good doctor-patient relationship. As such, the importance of the use and education of LIBRAS in health courses is evidenced, thus ensuring the quality of care for the deaf and the principles of the SUS. Finally, citizen awareness of sign language is essential for the effective social inclusion of this minority.