Humour and laughter: a tool in nursing care

Abstract

In recent years, humour and laughter have been framed as important strategies for improving physical, psychological and social well-being, thus contributing to the holistic care of the person. Improving mood, reducing stress, anxiety or depression, fostering social relationships, decreasing the perception of pain or promoting coping with difficult situations are some of the benefits described in the scientific literature regarding these care tools. Specifically, humour is classified as a nursing intervention in the Nursing Interventions Classification, in domain 3 “behavioural” and class R “coping assistance”. Its inclusion in care plans requires a thorough initial assessment, taking into account the person’s social and cultural context, as well as a reassessment of its relevance and appropriateness according to the circumstances arising at that moment. Training in the use of humour as a nursing intervention is a fundamental pillar for achieving the success expected from applying this intervention in nursing care. Therefore, the integration of humour as a nursing intervention in care plans can offer significant benefits, positively affecting not only the nurse-patient-environment therapeutic relationship but also providing positive effects, individually, to each member of this interpersonal relationship.