The effectiveness of a brief intervention for emotion-focused nurse-parent communication.

OBJECTIVE

A child's hospitalization is stressful for both the children and their parents. Nurse-parent communication during stressful hospitalizations requires skilled nurse communicators. Brief methods of training emotion-focused communication for newly licensed nurses are needed, but as yet are rare. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a validated brief communication training (Four Habits Model) session using simulation for newly licensed pediatric nurses.

METHODS

Quantitative and qualitative methods provided data for this experimental study, using a group-by-trials repeated measures ANOVA design. The intervention group participated in a 1-h three-part education simulation session and the control group observed a 1-h video.

RESULTS

Compared with the controls, the intervention group improved significantly in four of five areas: preparation, communication skills, relationships, and confidence. Experience level had minimal effect. Over half of the nurses in the intervention group reported using one or more of the Four Habits in clinical practice.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study suggest that a 1-h Four Habits communication-training program improves newly licensed nurses' self-perception of their preparation for emotion-focused conversations with parents.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

The findings of this study suggest that the Four Habits Model can be useful in communication training with nurses.