Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 3, 2026
Involving Individuals with Developmental Language Disorder and Their Parents/Carers in Research Priority Setting
Published on: June 6, 2020
Effective communication between nurses and caregivers of pediatric patients who use a language other than English: A
Tanner J Sergesketter1, Wendy R Miller1, Julie L Otte1
1Indiana University School of Nursing, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
Objectives:
Despite the importance of effective communication between nurses and parents/caregivers to support the safety of pediatric patients, barriers to this communication exist between nurses and caregivers who use a language other than English (LOE). A concept analysis was conducted to develop a conceptual definition of effective communication between nurses and caregivers of pediatric patients who use an LOE, which has not previously been defined.
Methods:
A concept analysis was completed using Walker and Avant's method. Articles published between 2020 and 2025 were identified using PubMed, CINAHL Complete, and Web of Science.
Results:
Of the 310 identified articles, 32 were included. Effective communication between nurses and caregivers of pediatric patients who use an LOE is defined as "the frequent exchange of information between a nurse and caregiver of a pediatric patient in the caregiver's preferred/primary language other than English through professional language services that is reinforced by supplemental materials, is enhanced by nonverbal communication, and exhibits therapeutic communication techniques." Antecedents include early identification of caregivers' language preferences, access to professional language services, positive nurse-caregiver interpersonal relationships, and nursing education and training. Consequences include caregiver participation and engagement in care, caregiver understanding and comprehension, caregiver satisfaction, and safe, quality, equitable care.
Conclusions:
Findings provide future directions for research to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the complexity and uniqueness of communication between nurses and caregivers of pediatric patients who use an LOE, which can then guide interventions aimed at improving nurse-caregiver communication and promoting safe, quality, equitable care.
Practice Implications:
A conceptual definition enables further advancement of the concept through generation of an operational definition, instrument development, and measurement tools, thereby permitting identification of the concept in clinical practice. The conceptual definition can also be used for theory construction or embedded within a preexisting theory to advance nursing theory.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Barriers to Effective Communication II
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
01:28Communication
01:30Therapeutic Communication
Verbal communication depends on language or a prescribed way of using words so that people can share information effectively. The critical aspects of verbal...
01:23Nurses' Legal Responsibilities II
Communication between nurses and...
01:29Levels of Communication I: Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, and Small Group
We can participate in these relationships through verbal, nonverbal, and mediated communication. We engage in verbal communication when we use words during our interaction to convey specific meanings. On the other hand, nonverbal communication refers to various factors that can impact how we understand each other—for example, facial expressions.
We interact with others using mediated technologies like the...
01:25Role of Communication in the Nursing Process II: Planning and Implementation