1.1 Introduction
The way nurses interact and communicate with patient’s shapes their perception of them, and this perception affects the patients' level of satisfaction and, ultimately, the quality of care provided (Papagiannis, 2009). The nurse's capacity for effective patient communication is a critical aspect of nursing practice. A strong doctor-nurse relationship is crucial to nursing care because it makes patients feel at ease both inside and outside the hospital. It symbolizes an agreement between the nurse and the patient to work together for the patient's advantage. For a nurse-patient relationship to be therapeutic there must be efficient communication between the two parties. Communication skills make the difference between average and exceptional nursing care. The goal of mutual understanding, cooperation, and coordination is the fundamental communicative attitude of nursing, which is a communication intervention.
This chapter will address the background information that motivated this study, the challenges that prompted it, its aim, and its objectives as a preface to subsequent sections of the study. Additional factors include the study's significance, scope, limitations, research questions and hypotheses, and the definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Nursing in the twenty-first century is a communication intervention, and its foundational communicative attitude is the search of understanding, cooperation, and coordination between parties. Nursing practice depends critically on the nurse's ability to communicate with the patient in an effective manner. Patients may be more vulnerable to disrespectful treatment from nurses since they are said to have less power over their interactions with the nurses. In a relationship, nurses may find it difficult to care for patients who have mental, physical, or emotional problems. Thus, it is imperative that nurses completely embody the concepts of therapeutic partnerships in order to sustain both their interpersonal connections and professional standards.
According to Moussas et al. (2010), the characteristics of the nurse-patient interaction will depend on how both parties understand the communication pattern. Ineffective communication often stems from a failure to recognize and respect the two-way nature of communication, which leads to negative generalizations and attitudes (Moussas et al., 2010). Regardless of the duration of interaction, the fundamental values of a therapeutic relationship remain the same: confidentiality, active listening, respect, sincerity, empathy, and trust. The goals of the therapeutic alliance are to assist the patient, encourage recovery, and maintain or improve functioning. In contrast to social relationships, therapeutic relationships have clear limits and are patient-centered and health-focused.
According to Orlovsky (2007), ineffective communication is the leading source of major medical mistakes, but efficient communication with patients is increasingly recognised as essential to providing patient-centered care in all healthcare settings (Smith & Pressman, 2010). A better level of patient care is achieved through effective communication, which happens when the knowledge, abilities, and distinct viewpoints of doctors and nurses are combined (Lindeke & Sieckert, 2005). Orlovsky suggests that in order to communicate effectively, nurses should be confident, courteous, skilled at small chat, able to resolve dispute, and aware of the bigger picture.
The majority of a nurse's working hours and patient interactions are devoted to connecting work that supports physician consultations. They act as the "glue," escorting patients into consultation rooms, empathizing with the difficulties of sticking to lifestyle changes by sharing their own stories, letting patients share concerns that they would not otherwise share with doctors, being gregarious, cracking jokes, and offering explanations when doctors' words have fallen short (Collins, 2009).
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Strategies in Building Strong Relationships with Patients and Colleagues through Effective Communication in Nursing Practice.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that Nursing professionals have an obligation to establish a therapeutic connection, identify any power imbalances, and anticipate clients' propensity for intimidation. As a result, this knowledge aids in setting and upholding proper limits. However, it is evident from news reports, publications, and some patients' personal experiences that patients do not receive enough care from their doctors and nurses. Because they frequently lack defences, patients may rely on nurses to take care of their fundamental requirements.
Beyond the practice setting, patients may desire to rely on the nurse since they may not have a network of supporting family and friends. Certain patients may be especially susceptible, such as those who require continuous care or who have mental health issues. The Federal Medical Centre in Owerri undertook a research to determine the nature of the interaction between nurses and patients in response to this disparity. The doctor-nurse dynamic at the hospital will benefit from this.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to determine the Strategies in Building Strong Relationships with Patients and Colleagues through Effective Communication in Nursing Practice. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To assess nurses’ knowledge of the importance of communication among nurses in the delivery of patient care;
- To examine the effects of doctor-nurse relationship on the health of the patients;
- To identify the factors that influence nurses’ interaction with patients and colleagues; and
- To determine whether the socio-demographic characteristics of the nurse and the patients affect the type of relationship between them.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Does nurses’ knowledge of the importance of communication among nurses in the delivery of patient care?
- Are there factors that influence nurses’ interaction with patients and colleagues?
- What are the effects of doctor-nurse relationship on the health of the patients?
- What are the socio-demographic characteristics of the nurse and the patients affect the type of relationship between them?
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