An Assessment of Nurse-Patient Communication in a Tertiary Hospital in the Kingdom of Bahrain

Abstract

Title: An Assessment of the Nurse-Patient Communication in a Tertiary Hospital in the Kingdom of Bahrain

Introduction: An integral part of nursing care is effective communication. It improves the relationship between the nurse and the patient, and it results in better treatment and improved quality of care (Tay, Ang, & Hegney, 2012). Every aspect of communication is influenced by the differences in culture. Cultural competence gives an opportunity for the healthcare professionals to know the different cultural beliefs related to health and to incorporate awareness into diagnosis and treatment planning.

Data Collection: The descriptive correlational study was conducted in medical and surgical in-patient units of King Hamad University Hospital, Kingdom of Bahrain in 2018. The questionnaire consists of two parts: a demographic profile and the Self-Administered Communication Survey. The factors affecting nurse patient communication were categorized into Common barriers, Nurse-related barriers, Patient-related barriers and Environmental barriers. A total of 78 nurses and 75 patients took part in the study.

Results: The main barriers to the nurse-patient communication from the nurses’ point of view were cultural differences between nurse and patient, differences between the language of the nurse and the patient, nurses’ lack of time and opportunity to communicate well with the patients, patients’ negative attitude towards the nurse, presence of patient’s companion, and presence of a very sick patient in the department. The main barriers to nurse-patient communication from the patient’s perspective were age difference between nurse and patient, interference of the patient’s companions, busy environment of the unit, and inappropriate environmental conditions (lack of proper ventilation, fluctuating temperature, inadequate lighting, unpleasant odor, etc.).

Conclusion: Analysis of the factors influencing the communication is the basic step in resolving communications issues between nurses and patients. A good solution to be communication problems cannot be established without taking into consideration both the patients’ and nurses’ views of communication. Understanding and accepting the Islamic values and beliefs are essential in communicating and delivering care for Muslim patients. Development of broader knowledge of Arabic culture is important for all health care professionals who deliver care in the Middle Eastern on Arabic region.

Recommendations: The study recommends development of effective nurse-patient communication protocols and policies in the hospital and establishment of Arabic language and communication skills training for nurses.