Analysis of scientific literature on therapeutic communication in health, mental health and alcohol and other drugs

Abstract

Introduction: Therapeutic Communication is the set of techniques, abilities, and interventions used during health recovery and rehabilitation processes, in order to meet the patient´s needs. Objective: The present work aims to review the existing literature about the techniques, strategies, and significance of Therapeutic Communication, not only in the general health field, but also in the mental health and alcohol/drugs field. Methodology: We undertook a Narrative Literature Review, from February until June 2016, collecting data and articles published between the years of 2000 and 2016, from Pubmed and Virtual Health Library (BVS-BIREME). The descriptors used were chemical dependency, psychoactive substances dependency, and communication in health environment. Results: In total, 697 papers were found; however, after a previous reading of the titles, abstracts and full texts, only 15 articles met the inclusion criteria for the present literature review. Papers that addressed the use of Therapeutic Communication in alcohol and drug addicts were not found during the research. Most of the selected scientific articles were published during the years of 2004, 2005, 2009, and 2012, with an average of two publications per year. Discussion: The results exposed the importance of Therapeutic Communication in the health care field and showed that, despite being a recognized health tool, little has been studied in the context of using the therapy in mental health and alcohol or drug addicted patients. Therapeutic Communication is an important tool that assists in the elaboration and evaluation of the Singular Therapeutic Project for the patients. Conclusion: We conclude that the field of Therapeutic Communication, while an important tool to understand the patient and create a personalized intervention, still needs further empiric research, especially when applied in alcohol and drug abuse contexts.