Nurse-Patient Interactions in a Ghanaian Hospital Setting: Exploring Patient Rights in Clinical Communications
Date
2023-04-18
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
Type
Thesis
Degree Level
Doctoral
Abstract
Communication in nurse-patient clinical interactions impact nurse-patient relationships and healthcare outcomes. Effective communication between nurses and patients results in positive perceptions of care, patient engagement in the care process, increased patient disclosure, and reduced patients’ length of hospital stay. Moreover, good communication between nurses and patients reduces abuse, conflicts, and misunderstandings. Also, nurse-patient communication practices impact patient rights in clinical interactions. Yet, little is known in Ghana about how patient rights are implicated in nurse-patient clinical communication and interactions. The purpose of this study was to explore nurse-patient communication practices and how patient rights are reflected in that in the Yendi Hospital of Ghana. The specific objectives of the study included (1) to identify the barriers and facilitators of effective communication between nurses and patients in clinical interactions. (2) To examine patients’, caregivers’, and nurses’ experiences of patients’ rights in nurse-patient clinical interactions. (3) To determine how the Ghanaian Patients’ Charter provides guidance for nurses’ and patients’ communication during nurse-patient interactions, and (4) to explore how nurses’, patients’, and caregivers’ experiences about communication in clinical interactions can inform evidence-based practice and policy in healthcare institutions. An integrated exploratory qualitative research design was implemented by combining institutional ethnography, interpretive phenomenology, and critical discourse approaches. Data were gathered through in-depth individual interviews, focus groups, ethnographic participant observation, and document analysis from patients, caregivers, and nurses. Thematic and critical discourse analytic approaches were applied. Results of the study revealed critical barriers and/or gaps to effective nurse-patient communication and interaction, including high cost of care, language barriers, low health literacy, cultural beliefs, healthcare institutional culture and practices, and resource constraints. These factors affected nursing care practices leading to neglect, violation, and poor patient rights outcomes in clinical interactions. To enhance rights-based healthcare policy and practice, nurses must be trained on interpreter roles, cultural competency, and advocacy for patients. Awareness for patient rights must be intensified in Ghana, and hospitals must monitor patient rights outcomes in care delivery. In conclusion, two crucial models are provided to promote effective communication and patient-centered care.
Description
Keywords
patient rights, nurse-patient communication, ethics of care, Patients’ Charter, Ghana
Citation
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Department
Interdisciplinary Studies
Program
Interdisciplinary Studies