Hospital de Clínicas strengthens humanized care with literacy and patient education actions

Through the work of the hospital pedagogy team, the Gaspar Vianna Clinical Hospital (HC) in Belém has developed initiatives that reinforce the humanization of care and expand comprehensive care for patients. The proposal aims to stimulate the cognitive and emotional development of patients, promoting autonomy and self-esteem, even during treatment.

One recent example is the literacy process of patient Ronaldo Paraense, 53 years old, a resident of the municipality of Igarapé-Miri. He is treated at the Monteiro Leite Hemodialysis Center, a unit linked to HC. The action has been conducted by educator Joenilce, who started the activities with listening exercises and alphabet recognition. “Little by little, the patient began to identify everyday words and today he can already recognize the name of the bus he uses to get to the hospital,” she stated.

According to the professional, literacy in this context has both symbolic and practical value. It helps the patient feel capable, useful, and integrated into society, even while facing complex treatment. “The involvement of the family in the process has also been fundamental, with Ronaldo's daughters collaborating in the activities he takes home,” she highlighted.

For Ronaldo, the opportunity has been a turning point: “I didn’t know anything, I only signed my name, and even then with difficulty. Now, thank God, I already know many letters of the alphabet. Learning has been a therapy for me. We study and don’t think about nonsense. This raises self-esteem. I’m already on another level, as the guy says. I feel happier,” he shared.

About the learning process, he adds: “It’s an achievement. Before, I saw a sign, I wanted to understand, but I couldn’t. Now, I’m struggling, but I’m doing it. I already know which bus is mine, I can take it by myself. My biggest dream is to read the Bible. With faith in God, it’s just about growing. May He give me health to continue learning more.”

Education and promotion of well-being - Joenilce further explains that the responsibilities of the educator in the hospital environment involve providing pedagogical support to patients with educational routines, promoting emotional well-being, in addition to contributing to a more welcoming and humanized environment. “Always showing that everything in life is a process and that we have to continue with our dreams,” she pointed out.

In addition to literacy, the hospital pedagogy sector operates in various educational fronts at HC, providing support to children, adolescents, and adults undergoing hospitalization or prolonged treatment. The actions include individualized pedagogical activities, discussion circles, reading incentive projects, and participation in humanization initiatives alongside companions and the health team.

The work of hospital pedagogy represents a reinforcement of HC's mission to offer comprehensive and humanized care, restoring self-esteem. “Everything in life is a process, illness is not the end, but part of the journey. Education helps to restore meaning, self-esteem, and hope,” emphasized the educator.

Text: Kelly Barros - Ascom/HC