Coaching workshops for managing communication challenges perceived by emergency nurses in Morocco: a pilot experiment

Abstract

PurposeIn emergency departments, effective communication is of utmost importance to ensure the safety of patients. However, communicating can be quite challenging when dealing with high-stress situations. This study aims to assess the efficacy of coaching workshops, informed by a transtheoretical coaching model, in managing communication challenges perceived by emergency nurses and enhancing their communication skills.Design/methodology/approachThe study involved seven emergency room nurses working at a public hospital in Morocco. The data were gathered through various instruments, including observation grids, interviews and pre- and post-test questionnaires.FindingsThe study identified prevalent challenges in communication among nurses, notably difficulties in accurately interpreting messages when faced with confrontational attitudes from colleagues or superiors. Additionally, some nurses exhibited asymmetrical communication patterns, prioritizing their own perspectives over others' during interactions. The findings revealed a statistically significant disparity between pre- and post-test scores (P = 0.017). The nurses’ mean score has improved by 5.14 after attending the four workshop coaching experience, passing from 5.71 in the pre-test to 10.85 in the post-test.Originality/valueThis is the first study in Morocco to evaluate the effectiveness of coaching workshops guided by a transtheoretical coaching model in improving communication skills and overcoming communication barriers among working emergency nurses.