Perceived Barriers to Effective Therapeutic Communication between Pediatric Nurses and Mothers of Hospitalized Children at Alexandria University Children Hospital

Abstract

Pediatric nurses with effective therapeutic communication skills play a critical role in assess hospitalized children’s needs and provide them with the appropriate care. In addition, minimizing the stress associated with hospitalization for both children and their mothers. Aim of the present study was to assess perceived barriers to effective therapeutic communication between pediatric nurses and mothers of hospitalized children. Method: a descriptive research design was utilized to accomplish this study. The study was conducted at Alexandria University Children Hospital Egypt. Purposeful sample, 330 pediatric nurses and mothers included in the study (165 nurses and 165 mothers). The data was collected over a period of three months (January, February and March) 2019. Self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the required data. Results: The findings revealed that the main barriers of communication reported by the nurses were being overworked, shortage of nurses, fatigue and lack of enough time. Meanwhile, the main barriers of communication mentioned by the mothers were reluctance to communicate, language barrier and child's pain. Conclusion: There are certain causes which hinder therapeutic communication between pediatric nurses and mothers of hospitalized children. Recommendation: Maintain adequate children patient-nurse ratio to reduce nursing workload in order to facilitate effective therapeutic communication.