Effectiveness of a patient-centered communication skills training in nursing care: Results of the randomized controlled KOMPAT-study.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a needs-based communication skills training designed to foster patient-centered communication among nursing professionals. We conducted a randomized controlled trial with a waitlist-control group at three hospitals in Hamburg, Germany. Data were collected at three time points. Primary outcome was self-efficacy in communication with patients directly after training participation. Secondary outcomes included training evaluation (intervention group only), knowledge about patient-centered communication, attitudes towards communication, communication behavior and health- and work-related distress. Data analyses employed mixed-model analyses, Chi²-test, and descriptive statistics. 157 nursing professionals participated in the study, with 136 (87%) being female. Regarding the primary outcome, self-efficacy in communication with patients, the intervention group showed statistically significant post-training improvements compared to waitlist-control (Estimated Marginal Mean Difference -10.00, p < .001, d=0.81). Statistically significant post-training improvements were also observed for the secondary outcomes, subjective communication knowledge (p.001) and attitudes toward communication (p < .039). Additionally, participants rated the training as highly positive. To our knowledge, this is the first study to develop and evaluate a needs-based patient-centered communication skills training for nursing professionals in Germany. We found that the intervention had statistically significant effects on the participants' self-efficacy, subjective knowledge, and attitudes towards communication, while effects on other secondary outcomes were limited. Further research is needed to assess impact on other outcomes, such as participants' communication behavior and health- and work-related distress. Participation in a needs-based communication skills training is a promising way to improve patient-centered care by enhancing nursing professionals' communication skills.