Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: Introduction: In Cuba, the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Higher Education coordinate undergraduate and postgraduate education to shape healthcare professionals with a comprehensive profile; therefore, communication is a key professional tool. Objective: To substantiate the importance of developing communication competence regarding the diagnosis of Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection in healthcare professionals. Methods: A systematic, critical, and reflective literature review was conducted, considering master's theses, original and review articles, and books published between 2015 and 2025 in Spanish and English. The search was carried out in the SciELO and Google Scholar databases from June to December 2025; the keywords used were: communication, competence, diagnosis, and human immunodeficiency virus. Titles and abstracts of preselected studies were read to assess their relevance; suitable excerpts were selected to fulfill the objective and support critical judgments. A total of 65 articles were reviewed, and 28 were included in the final text. Results: The review revealed healthcare professionals' limited preparation for communicating difficult diagnoses due to restricted emotional expression and interactions lacking empathy toward patients and families. The importance of socio-emotional education and socio-formation in developing communicative competencies is highlighted. Conclusions: There is a need to develop processes aimed at enhancing communication competence regarding the diagnosis of Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection in healthcare professionals for their professional practice, with an emphasis on communication, interpersonal relationships, and intersubjectivity.
Language: Spanish
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7162823136