Body language in health care: a contribution to nursing communication Expressões corporais no cuidado: uma contribuição à Comunicação da Enfermagem Expresiones del cuerpo en la atención: un aporte el concepto de Comunicación en Enfermería

Objective: to classify body language used in nursing care, and propose “Body language in nursing care” as an analytical category for nursing communication. Method: quantitative research with the systematic observation of 21:43 care situations, with 21 members representing the nursing teams of two hospitals. Empirical categories: sound, facial, eye and body expressions. Results: sound expressions emphasized laughter. Facial expressions communicated satisfaction and happiness. Eye contact with members stood out in visual expressions. The most frequent body expressions were head movements and indistinct touches. Conclusion: nursing care team members use body language to establish rapport with patients, clarify their needs and plan care. The study classifi ed body language characteristics of humanized care, which involves, in addition to technical, non-technical