Year: 2014
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Critically ill patients experience overwhelming communication problems; caused by \nintubation and cognitive, sensory or language deficits that distance the patients from \ncommunicating their needs and wants from nurses and loved ones. The purpose of this \nstudy was to explore communication patterns and strategies with the aim of \nimplementing intervention strategies for nurse/patient communication in the intensive \ncare units. The American Association of Critical Care Nurses’ Synergy Model for Patient \nCare was used to guide the study. A mixed method approach using quasi-experimental \ndesign combining quantitative and qualitative data collections and analysis was used. \nConcurrent data collection for quantitative and qualitative data was used. Auditing of \npatient’s files, protocols, family counselling conference and in-service books and a \nsurvey for nurses was used for quantitative data. Qualitative data collection was through \ninterviewing nurses and nurse managers. \nLack of documentation and use of other communication strategies were the key findings \nof the study. In accordance with the model used for the study clinical judgment and \nmoral distress were found to be common among nurses. Lack of collaboration between \nnurses and other health care workers was also attributed to poor communication with \nmechanically ventilated patients. Conclusions derived from the study are that nurses \nneed to be supported through informal and formal training on documentation and use of \ncommunication methods available
Author: Kefalotse Dithole
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1559584378