Patient-Nurse Communication in an Oncology Hospital Setting: A Qualitative Study

Communication is an important aspect in making patients competent to define, process, and manage their disease condition as well as to intercept and satisfy psychosocial needs. Communication between patient and nurse is central to the learning and orientating process since the nurse has the greatest frequency and continuity of relationship with patients and their families. This study aims to investigate the quality of communication between patient and nurse and the factors that promote or hinder effective communication from the oncology patient's perspective within an inpatient hospital setting.

A descriptive qualitative study was conducted with one-to-one semi-structured interviews analyzed using the Framework Analysis methodology. The population consisted of oncologic patients admitted to the Medical Oncology Units of the Regina Elena National Cancer Institute in Rome. Data were analyzed using Ritchie and Spencer's Framework Analysis.

The sample comprised 20 patients, with an average age of 61.35, admitted to the Medical Oncology Units of the Regina Elena National Cancer Institute in Rome. Three themes emerged: positive communication as an element of care, factors fostering communication, and factors hindering communication.

The sample interviewed deems the quality of communication satisfactory. Familiar communication style, direct language, and caring are factors fostering communication. In contrast, lack of communication between medical and nursing staff, shortage of staff, and lack of time are considered communication barriers. Advanced communication competencies in nurses are crucial for effectively addressing the emotional and psychosocial needs of cancer patients, fostering a more empathetic and supportive care environment.