A NARRATIVE INQUIRY OF NURSE-PATIENT COMMUNICATION

Abstract

Objective:

Identify to the explores: the main causes of verbal abuse of patients by nurses and nurses by patients and to steps needed to promote positive nurse-patient interaction at hospitals.

Study Design: A qualitative study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the University of Health Sciences, Lahore for a period of one week, in Aug 2017.

Material and Method:

A sample of six senior nurses pursuing Master degree in Health Sciences was selected to address the research questions. In addition to this, a sample comprising six patients and faculty members was taken to counter check the narratives told by the senior nurses.

Results:

The study revealed that verbal abuses by nurses and/or patients are situational and fragmented. Lack of time and space, lack of resources and lack of training were the predisposing factors leading up to the verbal abuse of patients by nurses.

Conclusion:

The study recommends introducing professional training program of nurses in communication skills for nurse-patient conflict resolution. Moreover, the State must provide an environment complete with resources that can be conducive for an efficient health care delivery.

Keywords: ,  .