Factors influencing adult patient communication experiences with nurses in cancer care settings: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Background Effective communication among patients and nurses in cancer care is important in improving health outcomes and patient experience. However, there are several factors that influence patients communication experiences in healthcare. This study aimed to identify patients characteristics that influence patient-nurses communication experiences in cancer care settings.Methods Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants in cancer care. A validated questionnaire was administered to measure the factors influencing patient communication experiences. The questionnaire contains 48 items, including participants characteristics and patient-centred communication items (based on the Patient-centered Communication model). Independent t-tests, one-way univariate analyses of variances and bivariate correlations were used followed by a stepwise linear regression model.Results A total of 318 participants responded to the questionnaire at two tertiary health facilities in Saudi Arabia. Overall, most participants reported that their communication with nurses during their cancer care was patient-centred. Patients felt that the nurses fostered healing relationships, and there was a free exchange of information. Patients identified areas for improvement in how nurses managed uncertainty and how they support patient self-management. Older and male patients reported better communication experiences. Patients with aphasia reported worse communication experiences.Conclusions This study suggested that cancer patients’ perceptions of nurse-patient communication vary between groups. Nurses, health care planners and policymakers should recognise these differences when delivering, planning and monitoring health care activities.