Differences in perception between nurses and patients in Jordanian nurses' effectiveness in practicing communication skills

ABSTRACT

Communication skills are considered a significant component in a nurse-patient relationship and can influence the quality care outcome. The purpose of this study is to examine the difference in perception between nurses and patients related to the perception of nurses' effectiveness in practicing communication skills. This is a descriptive - correlational study that utilized a sample of 180 nurses and 178 patients from three major hospitals representing three health care sectors in Jordan. Data were collected in regards to the perception of nurses' effectiveness in practicing communication skills. Nurses had higher levels of perception of effectiveness in practicing communication skills [M=4.03, SD=.22] than their patients [M= .63, SD=.21] and this difference was statistically different [t=- 10.84, p< .001]. No statistical differences were found between patients and nurses in regards to personal and demographic characteristics [P> .05]. Recommendations: It is recommended that there should be programs to improve nurses' communication skills, with further research to evaluate its effectiveness. More work is needed to improve nurses' ability to evaluate their communication skills and their impact on patients' quality of care