Critically ill patients experience overwhelming communication problems; caused by
intubation and cognitive, sensory or language deficits that distance the patients from
communicating their needs and wants from nurses and loved ones. The purpose of this
study was to explore communication patterns and strategies with the aim of
implementing intervention strategies for nurse/patient communication in the intensive
care units. The American Association of Critical Care Nurses’ Synergy Model for Patient
Care was used to guide the study. A mixed method approach using quasi-experimental
design combining quantitative and qualitative data collections and analysis was used.
Concurrent data collection for quantitative and qualitative data was used. Auditing of
patient’s files, protocols, family counselling conference and in-service books and a
survey for nurses was used for quantitative data. Qualitative data collection was through
interviewing nurses and nurse managers.
Lack of documentation and use of other communication strategies were the key findings
of the study. In accordance with the model used for the study clinical judgment and
moral distress were found to be common among nurses. Lack of collaboration between
nurses and other health care workers was also attributed to poor communication with
mechanically ventilated patients. Conclusions derived from the study are that nurses
need to be supported through informal and formal training on documentation and use of
communication methods available / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/14432 |
| Date | 21 November 2014 |
| Creators | Dithole, Kefalotse Sylvia |
| Contributors | Moleki, Maria Mabibiti. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | 1 online resource (xiii, 184, [lx] leaves) |
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