OBJECTIVES: To identify trends on nephrology research that focus on communication and to analyze the use of communication as a theme in research. METHODS: A literature search of publications in Portuguese and Spanish from 1997 through 2007 that focused on communication or interaction with clients regarding feelings, emotions, and perceptions, was performed in the LILACS, SciELO, BDENF, and MEDLINE databases. The publications were grouped into three categories: communication, relationship/interaction, and feelings/emotions/perceptions. RESULTS: The majority of the publications were related to the feelings, emotions, and perceptions of the clients. Professional/Client interaction emerged as a facilitating mechanism of the communication. Holistic and individualized care were identified as the most adequate modality of care. CONCLUSION: Identification and analysis of research on communication allowed the description of its main characteristics, its perspectives, and its potential to improve professional/client interactions during the delivery of care.
Nursing research; Communication; Nephrology; Nursing care
