Proxemic behavior of nursing in the hemodialysis setting

Objective: To identify the proxemic factors determining nursing professionals' communication during hemodialysis, and analyze the influence of behaviors in interaction and care. Methods: Qualitative, exploratory and descriptive study developed with 22 nursing professionals from a systematic observation script, individual records of proxemic communication factors described by Hall, and a recorded situational interview. Content analysis by topic and observations resulted in a person-centered behavioral mapping. Results: Patients' gestures and the verbalization of the nursing team determine oscillations in the use and amplitude of bodily senses, and predominantly define the care actions in personal, social and public spaces. Conclusion: The physical space influences and can determine the proxemic behavior and the actions adopted by hemodialysis professionals. The mapping allowed the verification of how both can be favorable or not in interactions and care provided to patients.