Barriers to nurse-patient communication from the perspective of nurses in hemodialysis departments of hospitals in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Patients undergoing hemodialysis frequently visit hemodialysis centers, where effective communication with nurses is essential for optimizing treatment outcomes. This study aimed to explore the barriers to nurse-patient communication from the perspective of nurses working in hemodialysis departments within hospitals in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq. This cross-sectional study involved 153 nurses employed in hemodialysis departments across hospitals in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, who were selected using a convenience sampling method. Data were collected using a questionnaire designed to assess socio-demographic information and barriers to communication, categorized into common barriers between nurses and patients, barriers related to nurses, barriers related to patients, and environment-related barriers. Data were analyzed using STATA software version 12, employing descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed that the most significant barrier to nurse-patient communication, as perceived by the participating nurses, was related to environmental factors (mean score: 2.73 [standard deviation (SD)=0.85]), with the most notable specific barrier being "the presence of critically ill patients in the department" (mean score: 3.03 [SD=1.15]). Overall, the three primary barriers to nurse-patient communication identified were the presence of critically ill patients in the department, the presence of patient companions at the bedside (mean score: 2.94 [SD=1.13]), and the shortage of nurse-patient ratios (mean score: 2.90 [SD=1.08]). The findings underscore the importance of addressing environmental barriers in nurse-patient communication within hemodialysis departments. Recommendations include creating a calm environment, managing the presence of companions, and increasing nurse staffing levels to mitigate these barriers. Attention to these factors is crucial for enhancing communication and, consequently, improving patient care.