Interpersonal communication competence among nursing students.

José Luís Guedes Dos Santos,Caroline Neris Ferreira Sarat,Fernanda Hannah Da Silva Copelli,Rafael Marcelo Soder,Marluci Andrade Conceição Stipp,Alexandre Pazetto Balsanelli,Jouhanna Do Carmo Menegaz,Liana Amorim Corrêa Trotte

doi:10.1590/1518-8345.3226.3207

Abstract

Objective:To identify the level of interpersonal communication competence among nursing students and to correlate its domains with sociodemographic and academic variables.Method:This is a correlational study, developed through a multicenter research project in six federal universities in Brazil. Data from 1,079 nursing students were collected through a questionnaire with sociodemographic and academic variables and the Interpersonal Communication Competence Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.Results:The mean of the sum of the Interpersonal Communication Competence Scale was 63.74 (± 7.6). The domains “availability” and “environment control” had, respectively, the highest and lowest averages. There was a statistically significant difference between the sum of the Interpersonal Communication Competence Scale and the variables age, marital status, participation in a research/extension group, and paid professional activity.Conclusion:This study contributed to identify the level of interpersonal communication competence of nursing students in the Brazilian reality, providing useful information for education in the area.

Highlights

Competencies can be defined as behaviors learned during an educational process, which involves the development of knowledge, skills and attitudes for professional practice
From a multicenter research in six public higher education institutions, the results of this study present innovative data in the Brazilian context to identify the level of interpersonal communication competence of nursing students
Regarding the sum of the mean of ECCI (63.74 ± 7.6), a similar result was found in undergraduate nursing students from South Korea, where the mean interpersonal communication competence of participants ranged from 52.88 (± 5.02) and 69.94 (± 4.19)(14)

Summary

Introduction

Competencies can be defined as behaviors learned during an educational process, which involves the development of knowledge, skills and attitudes for professional practice. Nacionais (DCN, National Curriculum Guidelines) for nursing education are decision making, leadership, administration and management, continuing education, and communication[3]. Communication stands out among these competences because nurses’ practice is centered on the interpersonal relationship with patients, the nursing team and the multiprofessional team, both to perform care activities and to manage care and health services. Communication permeates and enhances the development and exercise of the other professional nursing skills[4,5]. Many nurses report difficulty in communicating, especially in contexts that constantly require decision making[6]

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion