Effective communication between nurses and caregivers of pediatric patients who use a language other than English: A concept analysis.

Abstract

Despite the importance of effective communication between nurses and parents/caregivers to support the safety of pediatric patients, barriers to this communication exist between nurses and caregivers who use a language other than English (LOE). A concept analysis was conducted to develop a conceptual definition of effective communication between nurses and caregivers of pediatric patients who use an LOE, which has not previously been defined. A concept analysis was completed using Walker and Avant's method. Articles published between 2020 and 2025 were identified using PubMed, CINAHL Complete, and Web of Science. Of the 310 identified articles, 32 were included. Effective communication between nurses and caregivers of pediatric patients who use an LOE is defined as "the frequent exchange of information between a nurse and caregiver of a pediatric patient in the caregiver's preferred/primary language other than English through professional language services that is reinforced by supplemental materials, is enhanced by nonverbal communication, and exhibits therapeutic communication techniques." Antecedents include early identification of caregivers' language preferences, access to professional language services, positive nurse-caregiver interpersonal relationships, and nursing education and training. Consequences include caregiver participation and engagement in care, caregiver understanding and comprehension, caregiver satisfaction, and safe, quality, equitable care. Findings provide future directions for research to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the complexity and uniqueness of communication between nurses and caregivers of pediatric patients who use an LOE, which can then guide interventions aimed at improving nurse-caregiver communication and promoting safe, quality, equitable care. A conceptual definition enables further advancement of the concept through generation of an operational definition, instrument development, and measurement tools, thereby permitting identification of the concept in clinical practice. The conceptual definition can also be used for theory construction or embedded within a preexisting theory to advance nursing theory.