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Factors which influence how nurses communicate with cancer patients
1Stockport, College of Nursing, Stepping Hill Hospital, Greater Manchester, England.
Journal of Advanced Nursing
|June 1, 1991
Summary
Cancer nurses often struggle with communication, blocking patient concerns. A study found poor facilitative communication skills, particularly with recurrent cancer patients, influenced by factors beyond communication training.
Area of Science:
- Oncology Nursing
- Clinical Communication Studies
- Patient-Centered Care
Background:
- Effective communication is crucial in cancer nursing.
- Nurses frequently encounter communication challenges, potentially hindering patients from expressing concerns.
- Existing evidence indicates a need to explore nurses' communication behaviors and their impact on patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess nurses' facilitation and blocking of patient communication and their awareness of these behaviors.
- To investigate the relationship between nurses' communication styles and patient anxiety, social support, work support, and attitudes toward death.
- To identify specific difficulties nurses face when caring for cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 54 registered nurses in specialist and non-specialist hospitals.
- Data collection included audio-taped patient histories, self-administered questionnaires, and semi-structured interviews.
- Analysis of communication behaviors, patient support levels, and nurses' attitudes using SPSSX.
Main Results:
- An overall low level of facilitative communication was observed among nurses.
- Patient recurrence presented the most significant communication challenges for nurses.
- Nurses' communication approaches appeared more influenced by ward environment, religious beliefs, and attitudes toward death than specific communication skills training.
Conclusions:
- Cancer nurses demonstrate suboptimal facilitative communication skills, impacting patient care.
- Factors such as ward sister influence and personal beliefs significantly shape nurse-patient communication, overshadowing formal communication training.
- Further research and targeted interventions are needed to enhance nurses' communication competencies in oncology settings.
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