The Effect of Nurse-Patient Communication on Quality of Care

Abstract

Nurse-patient communication is one of the elements of quality healthcare provision as it affects patient satisfaction, safety, treatment compliance, and general clinical outcomes. This study discusses the multivariate nature of the interaction between communication and quality of care through verbal and non-verbal communication, cultural and emotional elements, and how technology and leadership play a role in the healthcare environment. The study, through the evidence-based approach, raises the importance of empathy, trust, and emotional intelligence in patient-centered care and impedimental factors like language differences, lack of cultural understanding, and insufficient training, which do not facilitate the effective communication. The ethical and legal aspects that inform the professional communication are also mentioned in the research and include confidentiality, informed consent, and autonomy of the patient. Lastly, the prospects are to incorporate digital resources, lifelong learning, as well as empathy-based education to enhance the competence of nurses in communication. All in all, the conclusion of the study is that effective communication is not a soft skill, but a crucial clinical competency that can directly enhance patient outcomes, safety, and satisfaction levels.