Communication skills training for nurses working with patients with heart disease

Abstract

This pilot project evaluated the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of a 3-day communication skills course for nurses working with patients with heart disease The outcomes were: the change in the nurses’ communication skills score from pre-course to 12 weeks post-course; the change in the nurses’ level of confidence in communicating with patients; the qualitative evaluation of the nurses views of the course for health professionals working with patients with heart disease. Ten self-selected British Heart Foundation nurses were recruited to the project. They completed a communication skills course, pre- and post-course questionnaires and a focus group evaluation. The communication skills score increased by 6.0 points (P<0.02). The confidence scores increased by 33.0 points (P<0.001). The focus group data confirmed that an experiential method of communication training is feasible and acceptable to health professionals working with patients with heart disease.