Perspectives and experiences of Iranian nurses regarding nurse–physician communication: A content analysis study

Abstract

Nurse-physician communication in the healthcare setting is an important subject that requires international attention because of its relationship with nurses' job satisfaction, turnover, patient safety, and above all, the quality of care. The importance of conducting studies on communication in different cultures and contexts in order to increase nurses' knowledge regarding nurse-physician communication cannot be overemphasized. The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives and experiences of Iranian nurses regarding nurse-physician communication. A qualitative study, using the content analysis approach, was conducted. Semistructured interviews were held with 22 female nurses with a Bachelor's degree who were working in two teaching hospitals in an urban area of Iran. During the data analysis, three main themes emerged: "no independence in decision-making", "lack of acknowledgment of nurses' capabilities", and "unequal support by the healthcare system". Healthcare team members and administrators should listen to nurses' perspectives and try to address the problematic areas of nurse-physician communication if they are improving the quality of nursing care that is expected.