Abstract
BackgroundPatients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) often experience communication difficulties - usually associated with mechanical ventilation - resulting in psychological problems such as anxiety, fear, and depression. Good communication between nurses and patients is critical for success from personalised nursing care of each patient. The purpose of this study is to describe nurses’ experience of a communication skills training intervention.MethodsA convenience sample of twenty intensive care nurses participated in the study. Data was collected by means of interviews with nurses. Data from the interviews were analysed using qualitative thematic content analysis.ResultsSix themes emerged: (1) acceptance of knowledge and skills developed during workshops; (2) management support; (3) appreciation of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices; (4) change in attitudes; and (5) the need to share knowledge with others and (6) inclusion of communication skills workshop training as an integral part of an orientation programme for all nurses.ConclusionThe findings of this study indicated that the application of augmentative and alternative communication devices and strategies can improve nurse-patient communication in intensive care units. Therefore, the implementation of communication skills training for intensive care nurses should constantly be encouraged and, indeed, introduced as a key element of ICU care training.
Highlights
20 minRole plays on an algorithm, scenario on mechanical ventilation via the endotracheal tube (Annexure P), pen and paper and natural strategiesSharing experiencesRole plays on scenario for suctioning procedure (Annexure R), alphabet board, word phrase, and natural strategies10 min 20 min 5 min Nurses’ questions and comments on the role playReturn demonstration by nurses
Nurses working in intensive care units (ICU) find it especially challenging to
The same studies have established that patients who have been critically ill, usually remember the nurse patient communication very clearly even if they were unconscious most of the time [6]
Summary
20 minRole plays on an algorithm, scenario on mechanical ventilation via the endotracheal tube (Annexure P), pen and paper and natural strategiesSharing experiencesRole plays on scenario for suctioning procedure (Annexure R), alphabet board, word phrase, and natural strategies10 min 20 min 5 min Nurses’ questions and comments on the role playReturn demonstration by nurses. Patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) often experience communication difficulties - usually associated with mechanical ventilation - resulting in psychological problems such as anxiety, fear, and depression. Many studies [4, 5], have alluded to the need for regular training in communication skills for nurses in Dithole et al BMC Nursing (2017) 16:74 the ICUs. The same studies have established that patients who have been critically ill, usually remember the nurse patient communication very clearly even if they were unconscious most of the time [6]. The same studies have established that patients who have been critically ill, usually remember the nurse patient communication very clearly even if they were unconscious most of the time [6] This makes it necessary for ICU nurses to have knowledge of the techniques and strategies available to communicate with ICU patients and to apply them in their nursing care
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