Nursing team proxemic mapping in the hemotherapy space

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Healthcare Communication
• Environmental Psychology

Background:

• Effective communication is crucial in healthcare, particularly during complex procedures like hemotherapy.
• Understanding the impact of spatial dynamics (proxemics) on patient-nurse interactions is essential for quality care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze how proxemic factors influence communication and nursing care during hemotherapy.
• To explore the relationship between physical space, professional behavior, and patient interaction in an onco-hematological setting.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory study involving 25 nursing professionals.
• Data collection included a systematized script, individual records of proxemic factors (Edward Hall's theory), and situational interviews.
• Behavioral mapping of nurse-patient interactions was visualized using 3D modeling software.

Main Results:

• Proxemic distances (intimate, personal, social, public) manifested as non-verbal cues (e.g., head/neck movements).
• These proxemic factors positively influenced nursing care during hemotherapy.
• Facilitated identification of both non-verbal and verbal communication between the healthcare team and patients.

Conclusions:

• Non-verbal proxemic communication in nursing requires awareness of spatial layout and immediate care actions.
• Appropriate proximity, continuous visual surveillance, and recognizing patient expressions are key.
• Demonstrating interest, respect, and zeal through proxemics enhances the quality of hemotherapy care.