Abstract
Introduction: Reflection is formed through deep reflection on the event or a certain clinical position. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of reflection on nurse-patient communication skills of nurses working in emergency departments.Methods: This interventional study was conducted on intervention and control groups and with a pretest-posttest design. 142 nurses working in the emergency departments of hospitals affiliated to Golestan University of Medical Sciences were enrolled in the study in 2015, and randomly divided into two groups. During eight weeks of the study, the intervention group was asked to write their clinical experiences with regard to communication issues with their patients. Before the intervention, the communication skills of both groups were compared using a questionnaire. Data analysis was performed, using independent t-test, paired t-test, Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests.Results: Of the 142 nurses, 122 nurses had full participation. In the intervention group the mean scores of verbal communication skills, non-verbal communication skills, general communication skills and communication skills based on patient safety were statistically significant, but there was no significant difference in the control group.Conclusion: The results showed that eight weeks of reflection by nurses is an effective intervention in dimensions of communication skills. We therefore suggest that a reflective writing be encouraged as a vital tool for improving communication competency among emergency department nurses.
Highlights
Reflection is formed through deep reflection on the event or a certain clinical position
Since university students have been the main target group of the studies conducted in Iran, and there has been no empirical evidence on the outcomes of reflective thinking among nurses in the emergency department, in this research we aimed to evaluate the effect of reflection on nurse-patient communication skills in emergency units
A significant difference was observed in the score of verbal communication skills before and after the intervention in the intervention group (P
Summary
Reflection is formed through deep reflection on the event or a certain clinical position. Effective communication has positive effects on the patients, including improved vital signs, decreased pain and anxiety, increased satisfaction, improved treatment outcomes, and enhanced participation in treatment programs.[4] The emergency room is the busiest and most serious part of any hospital.[5] And smooth and organized management of this department can save the lives of many patients In this environment, nurses should be equipped with different capabilities and skills to withstand the pressure and tension, among which communication skills are one of the most important.[6] Many qualitative and quantitative studies have evaluated the nurse-patient relationship.[7] In a study about nursing care in emergency units, communication has been introduced as one of the elements of care in the emergency room. Studies conducted in Iran show that the nurse-patient relationship is not quite effective and is even reported to be weak at times.[8,9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
