Nurses attitudes towards patients and communication – therapeutic relationship – qualitative research and systematic review

Abstract

Abstract Aim: This paper is an extended literature review on the topic of nurses’ effective use of time in Health Communication. It aims to provide for the reader a summary of research regarding how nurses can use the little time available to effectively communicate their care towards their patients Background: Communication of care and compassion are essential aspects of a nurse’s role, yet at present patients are expressing dissatisfaction with the quality of care that is communicated towards them. Nurses claim they are unable to communicate their care due to the time constraints that exist within the busy healthcare system of today. The government have recognised the need for increased communication of compassion but offer no advice on how better to do this within the time limits that nurses operate within. There is a great amount of literature acknowledging the problem of a lack of time to communicate but hardly any research that address the problem directly in an attempt to provide a solution. Method: An extended literature review was the choice method used to conduct this research. This type of method allows a thorough search of all literature relating to the topic from across various disciplines to provide a better understanding of the issue and a summary of the solutions offered within the literature. Databases were systematically searched using various keywords relating to the topic. Each article was then critically appraised and categorised into a theme depending on the article’s content. Findings: Various models and theories emerged supporting the use of brief communication skills to sustain a meaningful therapeutic relationship through the brief interactions nurses are limited to with their patients. Conclusion: Brief interactions between nurses and patients can still be meaningful and build a therapeutic relationship if nurses employ the correct brief communication skills within their practice