eCite Digital Repository

Effectiveness of a tool to improve role negotiation and communication between parents and nurses

Citation

McCann, DE and Young, J and Watson, K and Ware, R and Pitcher, A and Bundy, R and Greathead, D, Effectiveness of a tool to improve role negotiation and communication between parents and nurses, Paediatric Nursing, 20, (5) pp. 14-19. ISSN 0962-9513 (2008) [Refereed Article]

DOI: doi:10.7748/paed2008.06.20.5.14.c8255

Abstract

Family-centred care philosophies are promoted by policy makers and nurse leaders, although how this ideal is put in practice often remains unclear. Checklists or guidelines may be useful tools to assist nurses in determining a parent's desire for involvement in their child's care. AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of a documentary tool designed to formalise role negotiation and improve communication between parents and nurses. METHODS: A quasi-experimental pre/post-intervention study design was used to determine nurses' perceptions of the effectiveness of a documentary tool in facilitating nurse-parent discussion about parental desire for involvement in the daily care activities of their child while in hospital. Nurses in randomly selected wards were assigned to usual practice (control group) or the implementation of a Negotiated Care Tool (intervention group) during a three-month period. RESULTS: Pre- and post-intervention surveys were completed by 69 nurses. The tool was associated with attitudinal changes in the desired direction for 12 of the 24 nurse responses: nurses in the intervention group were significantly more likely to include parents in decision making (p = 0.007); encourage parents to ask questions during their child's hospital stay (p = 0.005); and invite extended family members to participate in care with parental permission (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: The Negotiated Care Tool raised staff awareness of the importance of effective communication and negotiation of care with parents in busy clinical practice areas. Transparent communication and negotiation of roles between nurses and parents are integral to family-centred care provision.

Item Details

Item Type:Refereed Article
Research Division:Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
Research Group:Paediatrics
Research Field:Paediatrics not elsewhere classified
Objective Division:Health
Objective Group:Provision of health and support services
Objective Field:Nursing
UTAS Author:McCann, DE (Ms Damhnat McCann)
ID Code:55305
Year Published:2008
Deposited By:Health Sciences B
Deposited On:2009-03-08
Last Modified:2010-07-15
Downloads:0

Repository Staff Only: item control page