ABSTRACT
This study examined "impact of nurse-patient communication in improving patient outcome in Edo Specialist Hospital," aims to evaluate the need for an effective nurse-patient communication in Edo Specialist Hospital, to evaluate the relationship between nurse-patient communication and patient health outcomes and to evaluate the role of good nurse-patient communication in enhancing the satisfaction of patients at Edo Specialist Hospital, as well, evaluate the factors that influences good nurse-patient communication at Edo Specialist Hospital. The research design adopted for this study is a descriptive survey. The population of the study comprises 320 Nurses And Patients At Edo Specialist Hospital, and a sample size of 178 Nurses And Patients was determined using the Taro Yamane formula for sample size determination. The sampling technique employed was simple random sampling, ensuring that each Nurses And Patients had an equal chance of being selected. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results revealed that effective nurse-patient communication significantly influenced patient satisfaction and health outcomes. Specifically, respondents agreed that good communication reduced patient anxiety, improved adherence to treatment plans, and led to quicker recovery. The mean scores for the items related to communication effectiveness were above average, with a notable positive correlation between communication quality and patient satisfaction. Factors such as nurse workload, language barriers, and environmental noise were identified as key barriers to effective communication. Based on the findings, the study recommends that Nurses should receive ongoing training in effective communication skills, including active listening, empathy, and clarity in providing medical information. Furthermore, Healthcare institutions should prioritize patient-centered care, which includes fostering an environment where nurses are encouraged to engage meaningfully with patients.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page
Certification
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Abstract
Table of Contents
List of Table
List of Figures
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Objective of the Study
1.4 Research Question
1.5 Research Hypotheses
1.6 Significance of the Study
1.7 Scope of the Study
1.8 Operational Definition
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Conceptual Framework
2.2 Theoretical Framework
2.3 Empirical Review
2.4 Summary of the Literature Reviewed
CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research Design
3.2 Research Setting
3.3 Population of the Study
3.4 Sample Size
3.5 Sampling Technique
3.6 Instrument of Data Collection
3.7 Validity of the Instrument
3.8 Reliability of the Instrument
3.9 Method of Data Analysis
3.11 Ethical Consideration
CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Demographic Analysis
4.2 Analysis of Research Questions
4.3 Testing of Hypotheses
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Discussion of Findings
5.2 Implications to nursing practice
5.3 Limitation of the Study
5.4 Summary of the Study
5.5 Conclusions
5.6 Recommendations
5.7 Suggestions for Further Research
References
Appendix
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Communication helps the flow of knowledge from person to person and develop better interpersonal relationships (Brinkert 2018). Communication is the exchange of information between people by sending and receiving it through speaking, writing or by using any other medium. Clear communication means that information is conveyed effectively between people. Communication skills for nurses are essential but may be difficult to master. The word communication is derived from the Latin word ‘communis’ which means common. The definition underscores the fact that unless a common understanding results from the exchange of information, there is no communication. Communication can be defined as the process of transmitting information and common understanding from one person to another.(Berengere et al.. 2022).
Communication and interpersonal skills are the most important factors for improving patient satisfaction, compliance and overall health outcome (Berengere et al.. 2022). Interpersonal communication in recent years has played a pivotal role in successful job performance in any organization, health care been no exception. Nursing staff is the backbone of health care in any country. They are entrusted with the responsibility of delivering quality health services to patient and are not only the primary level of contact with patient but also spend maximum time with patients. The manner in which nursing staff communicates and takes care of patients influence the satisfaction level of patients and notably impact the health care outcome (Ennis et al.., 2019).
To be a successful nurse, excellent communication skills are required (Wilkinson 2020). Nurses speak to people of varying educational, cultural and social backgrounds and must do so in an effective, caring and professional manner, especially when communicating with patients and their families (Casey & Wallis 2018). The quality of communication in interactions between nurses and patients has a major influence on patient outcomes.
In the case of Edo Specialist Hospital, patient outcome can be influenced by various factors, including the level of communication between nurses and patients. Preliminary observations suggest that nurses who actively engage with patients, provide adequate explanations, and offer emotional support contribute significantly to higher patient satisfaction. This aligns with the findings of Nwachukwu et al. (2023), who noted that effective communication improves patient comfort, reduces anxiety, and enhances overall satisfaction in hospital settings. As Edo Specialist Hospital continues to evolve in its delivery of healthcare, understanding the relationship between good nurse-patient communication and patient outcome is essential for fostering a compassionate and patient-centered care environment. Hence the need for this study.
1.2 Statement of the Problems
Nurse-patient communication involves the exchange of information, emotions, and support between nurses and patients, with the goal of improving the quality of care and addressing patient needs (Bocchino et al., 2023). Patient satisfaction, on the other hand, is a measure of how well patients perceive the care they receive, including aspects such as communication, professionalism, and overall comfort (Arora et al., 2022). The ideal situation would see clear, empathetic, and effective communication between nurses and patients, resulting in high levels of patient satisfaction and improved patient outcomes. However, the current situation often reflects significant communication challenges, especially in high-pressure environments like medical wards, where patients may experience anxiety and uncertainty about their health conditions.
The problem this study seeks to address is the lack of effective nurse-patient communication in many healthcare settings, and its subsequent impact on patient outcome. According to Graham et al., (2022), the poor communication between nurses and patients often leads to misunderstandings, increased patient anxiety, and lower overall satisfaction with care. Despite the importance of communication in healthcare, many nurses struggle with time constraints, lack of training in communication skills, and the complexity of managing multiple patients simultaneously. As a result, patients may feel neglected or uninformed about their treatment plans, negatively impacting their satisfaction and the overall quality of care (Yang et al., 2021). In contrast, when nurses engage in active listening, demonstrate empathy, and provide clear information, patients report higher levels of satisfaction and a greater sense of comfort during their hospital stay (Jones et al., 2021).
The gap in existing knowledge lies in the insufficient exploration of nurse-patient communication and its direct impact on patient satisfaction within the Nigerian healthcare context, particularly at institutions like the Edo Specialist Hospital. While international studies have emphasized the positive effects of good communication on patient satisfaction, there is a lack of context-specific research in Nigeria, where cultural and infrastructural factors may influence communication dynamics in healthcare settings (Nwachukwu et al., 2023). Moreover, although patient satisfaction surveys are commonly used to assess healthcare quality, the specific role of nurse-patient communication in influencing patient outcome at Edo Specialist Hospital remains underexplored. This research intends to fill this gap by providing a detailed analysis of how nurse-patient communication affects patient outcome in Edo Specialist Hospital.
1.3 Objective of the Study
The objectives of the study is to examine impact of nurse-patient communication in improving patient outcome in Edo Specialist Hospital. Further objectives of the study includes:
1. To evaluate the need for an effective nurse-patient communication in Edo Specialist Hospital.
2. To evaluate the relationship between good nurse-patient communication and patient health outcomes.
3. To evaluate the role of good nurse-patient communication in enhancing the satisfaction of patients at Edo Specialist Hospital.
4. To evaluate the factors that influences good nurse-patient communication at Edo Specialist Hospital.
1.4 Research Question
This research is an attempt to answer the following questions:
1) What are the need for an effective nurse-patient communication in Edo Specialist Hospital?
2) What are the relationship between nurse-patient communication and patient health outcomes?
3) What are the role of good nurse-patient communication in enhancing the satisfaction of patients at Edo Specialist Hospital?
4) What are the factors that influences good nurse-patient communication at Edo Specialist Hospital?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
Ho1: There are no significant need for effective nurse-patient communication in Edo Specialist Hospital.
Ho2: There is no significant relationship between nurse-patient communication and patient health outcomes.
Ho3: There no significant role played by good nurse-patient communication in enhancing the satisfaction of patients at Edo Specialist Hospital.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The significance of this study lies in its potential to improve the quality of healthcare delivery by enhancing nurse-patient communication and, consequently, increasing patient satisfaction. The findings will benefit several key stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, patients, healthcare institutions, and policy makers, by providing valuable insights into the critical role communication plays in improving patient care.
First and foremost, healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, will benefit from this study through the identification of effective communication practices that can be incorporated into their daily interactions with patients. The study will highlight the impact of communication skills on patient satisfaction, motivating nurses to refine their approach to patient care by prioritizing clear, empathetic, and active communication.
Patients will also be significant beneficiaries of this study, as enhanced nurse-patient communication will directly improve their hospital experience. Clear, empathetic communication from nurses can alleviate patient anxiety, ensure patients are well-informed about their treatment plans, and foster a sense of trust and comfort in the healthcare setting. This, in turn, will lead to higher levels of patient satisfaction, as patients will feel more involved in their care and better understood by the healthcare professionals attending to them.
Healthcare institutions, such as the Edo Specialist Hospital, will benefit from this study by gaining insights into the specific factors that influence patient satisfaction in their medical wards. By identifying communication gaps, the hospital management will be able to implement targeted interventions to improve communication practices, enhancing the overall patient experience and reputation of the institution.
Finally, policymakers and healthcare regulators will benefit from the study's findings by gaining a better understanding of the relationship between communication and patient satisfaction in healthcare settings. This research will provide evidence to support the integration of communication-focused training into healthcare curricula and professional development programs for nurses.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The scope of the study is to examine impact of nurse-patient communication in improving patient outcome in Edo Specialist Hospital. Geographically the study will be delimited to Edo Specialist Hospital.
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms
1. Nurse-Patient Communication: This refers to the verbal and non-verbal interactions between nurses and patients, aimed at sharing information, providing emotional support, and fostering a therapeutic relationship.
2. Patient Satisfaction: Patient satisfaction is the degree to which patients' expectations of healthcare services are met, focusing on their overall experience in the healthcare setting.
Effective Communication: Effective communication in this study refers to the successful transmission and understanding of messages between nurses and patients, where patients feel informed, cared for, and understood.
