Associations among Gerontological Nursing Knowledge, Attitudes Toward Ageism, and Therapeutic Communication Competency: A Cross-sectional Online Survey among Outpatient Nurses in General Hospitals

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate associations of therapeutic communication competency with gerontological nursing knowledge and attitudes toward ageism among outpatient nurses in general hospitals. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 137 outpatient nurses was conducted from March 29 to April 11, 2024. Participants were recruited via an online flyer posted in a nationwide nursing community. Data were collected using three validated instruments: Knowledge of Older Patients Quiz, Fraboni Scale of Ageism, and Nursing Assessment of Communication Competency Scale. Descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA with Scheffé post hoc tests, and multiple linear regression analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 29.0. Results: Significant differences in therapeutic communication competency were identified based on marital status (p=.007), engagement in overtime work (p=.006), and longer clinical experience than 10 years (p=.010). Lower levels of ageism were significantly associated with higher competency of therapeutic communication (β=-0.27, p=.001), while gerontological nursing knowledge was not. Conclusion: Continuous training of anti-ageism attitude may enhance therapeutic communication competency of outpatient nurses with older adults. Leveraging experienced nurses and improving work conditions also support effective communication in outpatient settings.