2008, Cilt 15, Sayı 2, Sayfa(lar) 052-067
Communication Skills Training Programme to Improve Oncology Nurses' Relationships with Patients: An Observational Study
Öğr.Gör.Dr. Satı ÜNAL1, Prof.Dr. Fatma ÖZ2
1Gazi Üniversitesi Hemşirelik Yüksekokulu
2Hacettepe Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Hemşirelik Bölümü
Keywords: Oncology, nurse-patient relations, communication

This research was carried out to determine the impact of communication skills training programme on patient-nurse interactions in oncology setting. The research consisted of a single group pre-, post-test and non-participant observation. Thirty-six nurses volunteered to participate. In the first evaluation method, the nurses were evaluated both before and after the training using “Empathic Tendency”, “Empathic Skill” and “Communication Skills Evaluation Scales”. In the second one, researcher observed nurse-patient interactions in the clinics and evaluated them using the Communication Skills Observation Form. The training improved nurses' empathic tendency (p<0.001), empathic (p<0.001) and communication skills (p<0.05). “Respect to patients, giving constructive feedback, using effective body language, using continuing and leading reactions” showed gradual improvement during observations while self-disclosure and “ineffective commnunication techniques” were lower in the last observation. Training improved nurses' communication skills to effectively interact with their patients. Therefore, communication skills training should be taught and expanded during inservice training programs.