Experiences and Impact of Face Masks Use on Patient Communication Among Portuguese Nursing Students During Clinical Practice in Hospital Setting: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

Abstract

Aim: To explore the experiences and perceptions of nursing students during their clinical practice about communication with patients while wearing a face mask. Design: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted. Methods: Data were collected via semistructured, in-depth interviews between December 2024 and April 2025. Eighteen nursing students who communicate with patients while wearing a face mask during their clinical practice were recruited using purposive sampling. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim, and ATLAS.ti v.25.0.1 software was used for a thematic analysis of the interview data. The study adhered to the recommendations for reporting qualitative research (Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research). Results: The analysis of the results revealed three themes: (1) When Communication Becomes a Challenge, (2) Academic and Clinical Environment Issues that Complicate the Communication Process, and (3) Resources and Strategies for Enhancing Effective Communication with Face Mask Use. Participants identified the elements of communication with patients that are affected by the use of masks, the educational limitations that hindered the communication process and their experience during clinical practice, as well as strategies and resources to improve communication with patients using face masks among nursing students. Conclusion: Participants identified communication elements affected by face mask use that hinder effective communication and the development of the therapeutic relationship with patients, highlighting the need to implement strategies and resources in both academic and clinical settings. Implications for Nursing Management: The findings of this study may inform the need for nursing managers to develop and implement educational resources and strategies for preceptors to improve effective communication with patients and satisfaction with the clinical learning environment among nursing students.