The topic of humanization within healthcare is analyzed through a sociohistorical digression on the basis of humanism in the West and its present dilution in various sectors of social life. This dilution is qualified in a positive, essentialist light that contributes towards identifying humanism as a sacred asset or a fashion brand. In seeking to define this question, documents produced by the National Humanization Policy were considered, comparing the constitutional principle of full coverage with the guidelines of humanization. In the documents, the perspective of "healthcare production" encompasses: attendance or care provision (professional practices), management of work processes and user participation or social control within healthcare work processes. It is concluded that discussing humanization signifies: reviewing idealizations that neglect human limits; accepting conflict as the driver for negotiations; and putting forward for analysis the way in which groups organize their work processes.
Humanization; Health process; Integrality; Health Policy