Evaluation of the effectiveness of training in basic and assisted communication techniques for intensive care nurses

Specialised training in communication techniques is necessary for intensive care nurses to communicate effectively with critical care patients.

To evaluate the effectiveness and satisfaction of a training programme in basic communication skills (BCS) and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).

A two-phase mixed-methods design was used: phase I was cross-sectional descriptive, and phase II was quasi-experimental. A total of 120 nurses working in the intensive care units of Vall d'Hebron Hospital were recruited for phase I, of whom 30 were included in phase II. The intervention consisted of a training programme in BCS and AAC, accredited by the University of Barcelona and comprising four modules, lasting six hours. Participants' perception of their communication skills was assessed, as well as evaluation of the knowledge acquired through a written test and nurses' satisfaction with the programme through an ad hoc questionnaire.

Regarding BCS, 71.4% (n = 86) of participants had received training and 78.3% (n = 94) stated they used them. Regarding AAC knowledge, 88.3% (n = 106) reported lack of familiarity with these techniques. Nurses who received training demonstrated significant improvements in their perception of verbal communication use (MD -0.46; P < .001), non-verbal communication (MD -1.20; P < .001), AAC knowledge (MD -1.96; P < .001) and importance of effective communication (MD -0.16; P = .02). The post-test knowledge level obtained an average score (>3 out of 4). 83% (n = 25) of nurses were very satisfied with the training and 18% (n = 5) were satisfied.

Training in HCB and AAC led to significant improvement in ICU nurses' knowledge regarding communication with critically ill patients experiencing communication difficulties. Furthermore, the training was positively received by nurses.