Background of the study
Communication between nurses and patients is a fundamental aspect of healthcare delivery, particularly in geriatric care settings where the needs of elderly individuals require specialized attention. In recent years, there has been an increasing emphasis on understanding the association between nurse-patient communication and patient satisfaction within these environments. This investigation holds particular significance in facilities like Yemmy Care Senior Citizen Home in Ikangba, Ijebu Ode, where the elderly population is reliant on comprehensive care and support. Nurse-patient communication refers to the exchange of information, feelings, and concerns between nurses and their patients. Effective communication encompasses verbal and nonverbal interactions aimed at establishing rapport, understanding patient needs, and facilitating shared decision-making in healthcare processes (Street, Makoul, Arora, & Epstein, 2009). Patient satisfaction is a multidimensional construct reflecting the extent to which patients' expectations of healthcare services are met. It encompasses aspects such as perceived quality of care, interpersonal interactions, communication experiences, and overall experience within the healthcare setting (Pascoe, 1983). The relationship between nurse-patient communication and patient satisfaction is well-documented in healthcare literature. Numerous studies have highlighted a positive correlation between effective communication and higher levels of patient satisfaction (Street et al., 2009; Maly & Shultz, 2014). When nurses engage in clear, empathetic communication, patients tend to feel more valued, respected, and involved in their care processes. This, in turn, contributes to enhanced satisfaction with the healthcare experience. Nurses' communication skills, including active listening, empathy, and clarity of expression, significantly impact the quality of nurse-patient communication (McCabe & Timmins, 2006). The organizational culture, workload, and availability of resources within healthcare facilities can either facilitate or hinder effective communication between nurses and patients (Manojlovich & DeCicco, 2007). Patients' perceptions of the technical competence of healthcare providers, the effectiveness of treatments, and the overall quality of care received influence their satisfaction levels (Sitzia & Wood, 1997). The quality of interpersonal interactions, including communication with healthcare professionals, plays a vital role in shaping patients' satisfaction with their care experiences (Maly & Shultz, 2014). Understanding the interplay between these factors is crucial for enhancing both nurse-patient communication and patient satisfaction within geriatric care settings like Yemmy Care Senior Citizen Home in Ikangba, Ijebu Ode. By identifying and addressing barriers to effective communication and factors influencing patient satisfaction, healthcare providers can optimize care delivery and improve outcomes for elderly individuals under their care.
1.2 Statement of the problem
In the geriatric care setting of Yemmy Care Senior Citizen Home in Ikangba Ijebu Ode, the quality of nurse-patient communication plays a crucial role in shaping the overall satisfaction of elderly residents. However, despite its significance, there remains a gap in understanding the specific nature of the association between nurse-patient communication practices and patient satisfaction within this context. Consequently, the problem at hand is the lack of comprehensive insight into how various aspects of nurse-patient communication impact the satisfaction levels of geriatric patients at Yemmy Care Senior Citizen Home.
This study aims to address this gap by investigating the association between nurse-patient communication and patient satisfaction within the geriatric care setting of Yemmy Care Senior Citizen Home in Ikangba Ijebu Ode. Specifically, the study seeks to explore the frequency and quality of communication between nurses and geriatric patients, identify factors influencing communication effectiveness, and assess their implications for patient satisfaction. By elucidating the dynamics of this association, the study endeavors to provide valuable insights for enhancing communication strategies and improving patient-centered care practices tailored to the unique needs of elderly residents in geriatric care settings.
1.3 Objective of the study
Examine if effective nurse-patient communication helps to build trust and comfort in patients leading to patient satisfaction in geriatric care setting.
Examine if effective nurse-patient communication helps to foster understanding and empathy in patients leading to patient satisfaction in geriatric care setting.
Examine if effective nurse-patient communication helps to reduce anxiety and fear in patients leading to patient satisfaction in geriatric care setting.
1.4 Research Questions
Does effective nurse-patient communication helps to build trust and comfort in patients leading to patient satisfaction in geriatric care setting?
Does effective nurse-patient communication helps to foster understanding and empathy in patients leading to patient satisfaction in geriatric care setting?
Does effective nurse-patient communication helps to reduce anxiety and fear in patients leading to patient satisfaction in geriatric care setting?
1.5 Research hypotheses
Null Hypothesis (H0): There is no positive association between nurse patient communication and patient satisfaction in geriatric care setting.
Alternative Hypothesis (H1): There is a positive association between nurse patient communication and patient satisfaction in geriatric care setting.
1.6 Significance of the study
1. Enhancing Quality of Care: Understanding the correlation between nurse-patient communication and patient satisfaction can contribute to improving the quality of care provided to geriatric patients. Effective communication between nurses and patients is pivotal in ensuring that patients feel heard, understood, and involved in their care processes. By identifying the factors that influence communication effectiveness and patient satisfaction within this specific care setting, strategies can be developed to enhance communication skills among nurses, leading to improved patient outcomes and overall satisfaction with the care received.
2. Informing Policy and Practice: Research findings from this study can inform policy development and guide best practices in geriatric care settings. Policy-makers and healthcare administrators can utilize the insights gained to implement interventions aimed at optimizing nurse-patient communication and enhancing patient satisfaction. For instance, based on the identified factors affecting communication and satisfaction levels, training programs can be designed to equip nurses with the necessary skills and techniques for effective communication with geriatric patients. Additionally, organizational policies and protocols can be revised to prioritize patient-centered communication approaches, thereby fostering a more positive care environment.
3. Supporting Evidence-Based Decision Making: Research outcomes can serve as valuable evidence for healthcare decision-makers, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding resource allocation, staff training, and facility management. By demonstrating the impact of nurse-patient communication on patient satisfaction, stakeholders within Yemmy Care Senior Citizen Home and similar geriatric care facilities can justify investments in communication training programs, technological resources for communication enhancement, and staffing ratios that facilitate meaningful interactions between nurses and patients. Evidence-based decision-making driven by research findings can lead to more efficient resource utilization and ultimately contribute to better outcomes for geriatric patients in the long term.
1.7 Scope of the study
This study focuses to examine if effective nurse-patient communication helps to build trust and comfort in patients leading to patient satisfaction in geriatric care setting, examine if effective nurse-patient communication helps to foster understanding and empathy in patients leading to patient satisfaction in geriatric care setting, and examine if effective nurse-patient communication helps to reduce anxiety and fear in patients leading to patient satisfaction in geriatric care setting. Hence nurses and patients in Yemmy Care Senior Citizen Home Ikangba Ijebu Ode shall serve as enrolled participants for this study.
1.8 Limitation of the study
Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint are:
Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research along side other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her.
Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process.
Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study.
1.9 Definition of terms
Nurse-Patient Communication: Refers to the exchange of information, emotions, and support between nurses and geriatric patients within the context of healthcare delivery at Yemmy Care Senior Citizen Home in Ikangba Ijebu Ode. This communication encompasses verbal and non-verbal interactions, including active listening, empathy, explanation of medical procedures, and addressing patient concerns, aimed at fostering understanding, trust, and collaboration between nurses and patients.
Patient Satisfaction: Denotes the subjective evaluation of geriatric patients regarding the care, services, and interactions received during their stay at Yemmy Care Senior Citizen Home in Ikangba Ijebu Ode. It encompasses various aspects of their experience, including but not limited to communication with nursing staff, perceived quality of care, responsiveness to needs, emotional support, and overall fulfillment of expectations. Patient satisfaction reflects the degree to which patients' healthcare needs and preferences are met, influencing their perception of the care facility and potentially impacting their well-being and outcomes.
Geriatric Care Setting: Refers to the specialized healthcare environment within Yemmy Care Senior Citizen Home in Ikangba Ijebu Ode, dedicated to providing comprehensive care and support services specifically tailored to the needs of elderly individuals. This setting caters to the unique medical, social, and psychological needs of geriatric patients, including those associated with aging-related health conditions, functional limitations, cognitive impairment, and end-of-life care considerations.
ABSTRACT
The major objective of this study is to examine the effect...
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1
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