Comparison of barriers effective nurse-patient communication in covid-19 and non-covid-19 wards

Abstract

Abstract Background Communication is a basic need of humans. Identifying factors that prevent effective nurse-patient communication allows for the better implementation of necessary measures to modify barriers. This study aims to compare the barriers to effective nurse-patient communication from the perspectives of nurses and patients in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 wards. Materials and methods This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 2022. The participants included 200 nurses and 200 patients from different wards of Emam Hossein and Bahar hospitals in Shahroud, who were sampled using a stratified method. Data were collected by completing a questionnaire with 30 and 15 questions for nurses and patients, which contained similar questions to those for nurses, based on a 5-point Likert scale. Results The high workload of nursing, excessive expectations of patients, and the difficulty of nursing work were identified by nurses as the main communication barriers. From the patients' viewpoints, the aggressiveness of nurses, the lack of facilities (welfare treatment), and the unsanitary condition of their rooms were the main communication barriers. Conclusion In this study, the domain of job characteristics was identified by nurses as the major barrier, and patients emphasized factors that were in the domain of individual/social factors. There is a pressing need to pay attention to these barriers to eliminate them through necessary measures by nursing administrators.