Quality of communication in intensive care units: how families view interactions with doctors versus nurses

Effective communication between healthcare providers and family members is essential for improving patient outcomes. This study aimed to assess the quality of communication (QoC) in intensive care units (ICUs) and identify factors influencing its level.

A cross-sectional descriptive design was used to evaluate the QoC among family members of ventilated ICU patients. Non-probability convenience sampling was utilized, with a total of 186 family members of ventilated patients in ICUs recruited from the largest hospitals of the four Jordanian health sectors in Amman. The Quality of Communication Questionnaire was used to assess family members' perceptions of communication with medical doctors (MDs) and registered nurses (RNs).

The mean total score of the quality of communication level for MDs was 57.44(SD = 8.55), and 55.33(SD = 9.26) for RNs. A significant paired t-test (t = 7.778, p < 0.001) indicates that the QoC score for MDs (M = 57.44, SD = 8.55) was statistically significantly higher than that for RNs (M = 55.33, SD = 9.26). Family members are more likely to rate the level of QoC for MDs higher than that for RNs. Higher QoC ratings were associated with surgical diagnosis, those cared for in private hospitals, those with prior ICU experience, higher educational level, longer visit time, and hospital-related employment.

Family members of Jordanian ventilated patients in ICUs reported moderate to high QoC with MDs and moderate levels for RNs; with the mean score for MDs being higher than that for nurses. Significant variations are linked to certain demographic factors. These results underscore the need for culturally sensitive, tailored support approaches to strengthen family members' interaction with HCPs during an ICU stay.