Explore Gaps in Therapeutic Communication and Therapeutic Nurse - Patient Relationship at Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Background: Effective communication in nursing is fundamental to quality patient care. The nurse-patient relationship is a vital aspect of healthcare, particularly in tertiary care hospitals, where the complexity of care is higher. Previous studies have highlighted gaps in therapeutic communication, impacting patient satisfaction and care outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to explore the gaps in therapeutic communication and the therapeutic nurse-patient relationship at a tertiary care hospital from the nurses' perspective. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted at Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad/Jamshoro. The study involved 116 nurses, selected through non-probability convenient sampling. Participants were included based on criteria such as willingness to participate, age between 25-60 years, and at least one year of work experience. Data was collected using structured questionnaires, focusing on demographic details and perceived communication gaps. SPSS version 21 was utilized for data analysis, with frequency, percentage, and mean ± SD calculated for categorical and numerical variables. Chi-square tests were applied to determine significance. Results: The mean age of the participants was 38.92 ± 9.672 years. Work experience ranged widely, with 21.9% having 2-5 years, and 2.1% having 31-35 years of experience. The major work areas included the Cardiac Ward (20.8%) and Gynea Ward (14.4%). Significant barriers identified were workload (87.5%), lack of respect (56.9%), and unfamiliar hospital environment for patients (55.5%). The study also found gaps in nurses' knowledge regarding therapeutic communication (33.4%), age difference barriers (31.9%), and lack of interest (22.3%). Conclusion: The study reveals substantial gaps in therapeutic communication and nurse-patient relationships in a tertiary care setting. Addressing these gaps requires targeted interventions to enhance nurses' communication skills, reduce workload, and improve the hospital environment.