Examining effective communication in nursing practice during COVID-19: A large-scale qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Communication
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic created an urgent need for altered operational plans and clear communication protocols in healthcare.
• Ever-evolving knowledge on COVID-19 care necessitated rapid adaptation in nursing practice.
• No prior studies had specifically described communication experiences within nursing practice during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To qualitatively examine nurses' communication experiences during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.
• To understand the impact of communication on patient care and nursing practice during a public health crisis.
• To identify key elements of effective communication in a high-stress healthcare environment.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative descriptive methodology was employed.
• Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 100 nurses between May and September 2020.
• Thematic analysis was used, guided by the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies (COREQ).

Main Results:

• Effective communication positively influenced patient care and nurses' experiences during the pandemic.
• Importance of communication was identified across organizational leadership, unit leadership, and nurse-to-nurse interactions.
• Essential themes for effective communication included presence, education, and emotional support.

Conclusions:

• Healthcare organizations must examine and update crisis communication policies to ensure relevance and effectiveness.
• Effective communication is vital for supporting the nursing workforce during prolonged periods of crisis and strain.
• Nurses' input at all leadership levels is valuable for informing decision-making during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic.