Nurses’ experiences of serving as a communication guide and supporting the implementation of a communication intervention in the intensive care unit

Abstract

Purpose : To explore the experience of serving as a nurse communication guide, supporting the bottom-up implementation of a multi-component communication intervention prototype in the intensive care unit. Methods : The overall frame was Complex Interventions, and the study was conducted within the phenomenological-hermeneutic tradition. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with eight nurse communication guides. Data were analysed using a Ricoeur-inspired interpretation method. Results : Two main themes emerged: 1) “The communication intervention components provided overview, a conceptual framework, awareness and room for reflection” and 2) “Being a communication guide illuminated the barriers and challenges of implementation”. Furthermore, a comprehensive understanding was established that illuminated experiences throughout the analysis: “An ICU communication intervention has to be adaptable to the specific situation and the double need for individualization but also provide overall guidance”. Conclusion : Findings showed that as communication is inherent to all human beings, it can be difficult to change the communication behaviour of nurses. Therefore, a communication intervention in the intensive care unit must be sensitive to the nurse communication guides’ individual communication style. Furthermore, a communication intervention should provide nurse communication guides with overall guidance while at the same time remaining adaptable to the needs of each specific situation.

Quality communication can improve patient-centred health outcomes among older patients: a rapid review

“…In agreement with various studies and reviews conducted in younger populations [ 1 – 3 ], all the seven studies selected in this rapid review supported that effective communication is a cornerstone of improved patient-centred outcomes. Like [ 5 , 11 , 12 ], the studies reviewed in this rapid review also supported the idea that effective communication with older adults involves the combination of verbal and nonverbal communication cues.…”

“…Excellent communication is critical for all health professionals [1,2]. It affects the quality of healthcare output, impacts the patient's health and satisfaction, and benefits both patients and providers [3]. Communication is a critical clinical competence because it establishes trust between providers and patients, creating a therapeutic relationship [4].…”

Type of article:Quality Communication Can Improve Patient-Centred Health Outcomes Among Older Patients: A Systematic Review

“…Without effective communication, the entire health system would not operate e ciently, leading to all stakeholders experiencing adverse outcomes (Alnaser, 2020). Communication is critical because it affects the quality of healthcare output, impacts the patient's health and satisfaction, and bene ts both patients and providers (Holm et al, 2021). Chichirez and Purcărea (2018) argue that communication is a critical clinical competence because it establishes trust between providers and patients, creating a therapeutic relationship.…”