Author: Chan, Wai-man
Title: Verbal communication of nurses in response to patients' and relatives' queries
Degree: M.Sc.
Year: 2002
Subject: Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations
Nurse and patient
Communication in nursing
Department: Multi-disciplinary Studies
School of Nursing
Pages: x, 127 leaves ; 30 cm
Language: English
Abstract: Today, increasing attention has been paid to both nurse-patient interaction and nurse-patient relationship in nursing theory, education and research. It is a central theme to nursing. Different communication goals can be met through effective communication. This is a non-experimental, exploratory study by using methods of non-participant observation of the verbal interaction between nurse and patient/relative followed by semi-structured interview with individual participant. All data collection procedures were audio-taped. It examined nurses' verbal responses to patients' and relatives' queries in the surgical and critical care settings. Participant satisfaction and factors that influenced communication with patients and relatives were also addressed. For data analysis, Roter's Interaction Analysis System (RIAS) was employed to analyse the audiotaped verbal interaction. Content analysis was used for the interview transcripts. A total of 18 nurses and 21 patients/relatives took part in the study. The findings indicated that an imbalance existed in nurses' use of instrumental and affective behaviours. Nurses predominantly gave information about medical and nursing topics and relatively less in expressing concerns and empathy to the patients and relatives. All their satisfaction and factors influencing the verbal interaction have also been addressed. Limitations of the present study were addressed. The implications for practice include establishing therapeutic communication with patient and relatives and the importance of 'being there'. It is recommended to establish nurse consultation time to enhance communication and identify their needs. Continuing education on communication skills and expanding nursing knowledge is essential. It is recommended to repeat the study on a larger scale across various settings with other patients groups and their families. Both verbal and non-verbal communication can be included in the further research.
Rights: All rights reserved
Access: restricted access

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