Humanization and Communication Skills: A Cross-Sectional Study in Spanish Nursing Students

Area of Science:

• Nursing Quality and Patient Care
• Healthcare Education
• Communication Studies

Background:

• Humanized care is crucial for nursing quality but its status among Spanish nursing students is unknown.
• Understanding factors influencing humanized care is essential for improving nursing education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence of humanized care among Spanish nursing undergraduates.
• To identify determinants of humanized care, including communication skills and prior training.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was conducted with fourth-year nursing students.
• Validated instruments included the Health Professional's Humanization Scale (HUMAS) and Communication Styles Inventory-Revised (CSI-R).
• Data on sociodemographics and specific communication training (role-playing seminars) were collected.

Main Results:

• Students reported moderate levels of humanization (HUMAS: 3.62 ± 0.48) and communication styles (CSI-R: 2.50 ± 0.52).
• Completion of communication role-playing seminars was associated with significantly higher humanization scores (p=0.001).
• Communication skills (CSI-R) and training jointly explained 27.9% of the variance in humanization.

Conclusions:

• Structured communication training is a significant positive determinant of humanized care in nursing students.
• Communication skills and targeted training are more influential than sociodemographic factors.
• Integrating simulation-based communication and emotional intelligence modules is recommended to cultivate person-centered nurses.