Therapeutic Communication Skills Training: An Effective Tool to Improve the Caring Behaviors of ICU Nurses

Abstract

Caring behaviors are crucial in intensive care units (ICU) because patients in these wards require high levels of care. Effective communication with patients is one of the most important factors in the caring behaviors of nurses working in ICUs. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of therapeutic communication skills training on the caring behaviors of ICU nurses. This experimental pre-test/post-test study was carried out on 105 nurses working in ICUs of hospitals affiliated with Yazd University of Medical Sciences in Iran in 2019. Nurses were randomly assigned into control (52 nurses) and intervention (53 nurses) groups. A two-day therapeutic communication training workshop was conducted for the participants. Data were collected using a demographic information questionnaire and caring behaviors questionnaire before and one month after the intervention. The findings showed no significant difference between the control and intervention groups regarding the nurses' caring behaviors in the pretest (P=0.148). However, after the implementation of the training program, a significant difference was observed in the mean scores of caring behaviors between the two groups. In the control group, the mean scores of caring behaviors decreased significantly after the intervention (P=0.001); whereas, the mean scores of the intervention group increased significantly after the intervention (P=0.001). According to the results, ICU nurses' training in therapeutic communication skills had a positive effect on their caring behaviors. Therefore, we suggest the authorities prepare and implement educational packages of therapeutic communication skills as a coherent program for other nurses. As a result, the caring behaviors and the quality of care can be improved for patients.