Humanization in training and work in health: A review of the literature

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the humanization of conceptions in articles published in Brazil in the field of training in health from January 2000 to June 2012. As a methodological process, the choice was for the review of the literature, and these describers were used: ‘Humanization,’ ‘humanism,’ and ‘humanization in training.’ Twenty-three articles were selected, and data analysis included the characterization of the publications and the discussion of the concepts on humanization featured in the analyzed documents. These concepts appearing in the articles pointed to the issue of the polysemy of the term humanization, which included other meanings, such as communication skills, respect for human life, ethics in relationships, living in groups well, a concept that guides practices. Humanization has proved to be a complex, extensive process involving institutional and personal conditions. The challenges that came up include the implementation of changes in undergraduate courses in health, making the subject of humanization a transverse axis in the curricula, which enhances a difference in undergraduate and continuing education in health.