Communication between nurses and elder patients

Abstract

Introduction: Nurse-patient communication has been known historically as a prerequisite for nursing practice. The aim of this research was to evaluate the communication approaches between nurses and older patients.

Methods: Using phenomenological approach, the researchers chose the participants from Al-Zahra Hospital in Isfahan. A purposive sample of 8 nurses and 4 elder patients underwent in- depth interviews. Colaizzi's analysis method was a guide for the essential activities of the researchers. The reliability and validity of the present study were grounded based on four items of factual value, applicability, consistency and neutrality.

Results: Six major themes were identified. These included: 1) introduction to communication, 2) calling, 3) cultural competent communication, 4) non-verbal communication, 5) humor, and 6) dignity and respect to elder person.

Conclusion: The findings showed that communication with elder patients requires specific trends. The results exerted great emphasis on introduction and reciprocal identification. Participants applied cultural-competent relationships, unconditional acceptance and giving honor approaches in their communications with elder patients. Since many elder health problems affect their abilities to communicate nonverbally, training nurses in this area is highly suggested.