NONVIOLENT COMMUNICATION PUZZLE: AN ACTIVITY WITH HEALTH MANAGERS

Abstract

Communication is one of the fundamental pillars for the proper functioning of health services, as it directly influences interpersonal relationships among managers, health professionals, and users. Considering the need for strategies that promote more empathetic, respectful, and collaborative interactions, a workshop on Nonviolent Communication (NVC) was proposed with the aim of raising awareness and training health managers.

This article is an experience report describing the implementation of a workshop conducted with 40 municipal health managers from the municipality of Caruaru, Pernambuco, Brazil. The activity was designed by students from the Education through Work for Health Program (PET-Saúde), linked to the Brazilian Ministry of Health. The students developed a playful dynamic based on a puzzle measuring approximately 1 m², representing the four pillars of NVC: observing without judgment, expressing feelings, identifying needs, and making requests.

The activity was divided into two stages. In the first stage, each manager received two puzzle pieces and was instructed to assemble the image through communication with the other participants. In the second stage, a collective discussion was held regarding the content of the puzzle, during which participants were actively questioned about the pillars of NVC and their influence on their professional practice as health managers.

The workshop demonstrated that Nonviolent Communication is a promising tool for strengthening empathic communication and active listening, contributing to the improvement of interpersonal relationships in the healthcare work environment. Additionally, the experience had a positive impact on the training of PET-Saúde students by promoting knowledge exchange and the development of emotional intelligence.