Effects of Communication Ability Enhancement Program for Nursing Students in Korea: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the efficacy of a communication ability enhancement program for nursing students in Korea through a systematic review of literature and meta-analysis. METHODS: The researchers searched data-bases, including the Data Base Periodical Information Academic, Research Information Sharing Service, National Digital Science Library and National Assembly Library. The key words used included ‘communication and ‘nursing student. The researchers evaluated articles published up to July 2016. Out of 381 selected articles, 20 clinical trial studies were meta-analyzed. Each article was evaluated in accordance with the Checklist of Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network. The effect size of communication ability, self-efficacy and interpersonal relations were synthesized by a random effects model from analysis software (R 3.2.3). The heterogeneity of effect size was analyzed by exploratory and confirmatory moderator analysis. RESULTS: The overall effect size of the program was of a moderate level (SMD=0.78, 95% CI: 0.49~1.07) along with each outcome of self-efficacy (SMD=0.80, 95% CI: 0.23~1.37), and interpersonal relations (SMD=0.47, 95% CI: 0.14~0.80). For heterogeneity, moderator analysis was performed, by grade, and a statistically significant moderator was found. CONCLUSION: It is evident that a communication ability enhancement program for nursing students is moderately effective in improving communication ability, self-efficacy and interpersonal relations.