Nurses' perceptions of physicians' communication: the relationship among communication practices, satisfaction, and...

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Nursing
• Medical Communication

Background:

• Nurse-physician communication is crucial for patient care and job satisfaction.
• Understanding factors influencing nurse job satisfaction is essential for healthcare retention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationships between nurses' perceptions of physician communication, nurse-physician collaboration, and job satisfaction.
• To identify specific physician communication practices that predict nurses' job satisfaction and collaboration.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to 205 nurses at a pediatric hospital.
• Nurses reported on their perceptions of physician communication (nurse-physician and physician-patient), job satisfaction, and collaboration.
• Statistical analyses were used to determine relationships and predictors.

Main Results:

• Effective physician communication (listening, clarity, empathy, humor, immediacy) strongly correlated with nurse job satisfaction.
• Empathic physician messages significantly predicted satisfaction with communication, relationships, and collaborative practices.
• Physician humor and clarity were significant predictors of overall job satisfaction.
• Positive correlation found between nurse-centered and patient-centered communication practices.

Conclusions:

• Physician communication styles significantly impact nurse job satisfaction and collaboration.
• Empathy, humor, and clarity in physician communication are key factors for improving nurses' work experience.
• Promoting nurse-centered and patient-centered communication by physicians can enhance the healthcare environment.