ABSTRACT
The ability of physicians and nurses to work together as a unified team is essential to improve outcomes, error and risk reduction, and optimum care. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between nurses' communication skills and nurse-physician relationship and collaboration in Alborz hospital of Karaj in 2008. In this descriptive-correlative study, 100 nurses entered the study by convenience sampling. Data were collected by self-report questionnaire. The instruments for gathering data were included sample selection and demographic data form, communication skills questionnaire, nurse-doctor relationship questionnaire and nurse-physician collaboration questionnaire. There was significant positive correlation between communication skills and nurse-physician relationship [P<0.001], but significant correlation was not found between communication skills and nurse-physician collaboration. Staff shortage [72%], government policies [52%] and failure of communication skills [67%] were the most effective factors on nurse-physician relationship. This study showed that appropriate communication skills increases nurse-physician relationship, but it doesn't affect on nurse-physician collaboration in the management of patients. Interventions for increasing nurses' communication skills can improve nurse-physician relationship