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The practical nurse: a case for COMFORT communication training.
Elaine Wittenberg-Lyles1, Joy Goldsmith, Brian Richardson
1Markey Cancer Center, Department of Communication, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
The American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Care
|May 16, 2012
Summary
Communication training significantly improved licensed practical nurses' attitudes and self-efficacy. This nursing education intervention shows promise for enhancing patient care communication in long-term and home settings.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Healthcare Communication
- Patient Care Quality
Background:
- Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) deliver essential bedside care in long-term care and home settings.
- Effective communication by LPNs is crucial for preventing unnecessary acute care transitions.
- Current LPN training offers limited instruction in vital communication skills.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a specific communication training program on LPN students.
- To assess changes in communication skills attitudes and perceived nursing competency post-training.
Main Methods:
- A pre-post survey design was employed.
- The COMFORT communication training curriculum was administered to licensed practical nursing students.
- Mean scores for communication attitudes and self-efficacy were compared before and after the intervention.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant improvements were observed in LPN students' attitudes towards communication.
- A significant increase in perceived nursing competency and self-efficacy was also noted.
- The COMFORT curriculum demonstrated positive effects on communication-related outcomes.
Conclusions:
- The COMFORT communication training curriculum is a feasible and effective educational tool for LPNs.
- The training positively impacts LPN students' communication attitudes and confidence.
- Further investigation is recommended to assess skill application in clinical practice.
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