Duncan, DebbieMilibary, Amr Adnan M2024-09-302024-07-09https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14154/73135This dissertation written by Amr Adnan M Milibary. It submitted to the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen’s University, Belfast, in fulfilment of the degree of MSc (Advanced Professional and Clinical Practice)Title: Nursing perspectives on the use of effective communication in an intensive care unit setting. Background: The critical role of communication in health care, especially in ICUs, highlights its importance for patient safety and the challenges faced by ICU nurses, such as time constraints, stress and the sharing of complex medical information. The introduction and background discuss how communication breakdowns impact patient outcomes, particularly during shift changes and the Covid-19 pandemic. The study underscores the need for improved training and interdisciplinary collaboration, emphasising both verbal and non-verbal communication. It also explores leadership and technology, including AI, in enhancing ICU communication. Overall, it stresses addressing communication challenges through organisational efforts, cultural sensitivity, education, and technology integration for safe and effective health care delivery. Aim: The main purpose of this literature review is to examine nurses’ perceptions and experiences with using communication in the intensive care unit. The second purpose of this study is to investigate communication barriers amongst nursing staff members, which may have an impact on patient outcomes in previous studies. Methodology: A precise search of electronic databases including MEDLINE, CINAHL Plus, Scopus, Embase and PsycINFO was conducted for a systematic literature review on ICU communication from a nursing perspective. Guided by the PEO model and supplemented by a thesaurus, relevant articles were identified. Reference lists were also examined and manual journal searches undertaken. The quality of each study was evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist. This rigorous approach aimed to comprehensively explore nursing communication in ICU settings, aligning with the review’s objectives. Results: Nine qualitative studies on ICU nurse communication were analysed. Conducted in seven countries between 2014–2022, the studies are summarised, focusing on thematic analysis that identified three main themes: communication challenges and strategies; communication training and support; nurse–patient/family communication. These themes highlight the complexities and importance of tailored communication strategies in health care. The chapter concludes by emphasising the critical role of effective nurse–patient communication in improving ICU patient care outcomes. Conclusions: This review examines the communication experiences of ICU nurses based on nine studies. Key challenges include time constraints, language barriers and resistance to change, exacerbated by pandemics. The findings highlight the need for tailored strategies and support for health care professionals, especially during crises. Cultural factors affect error communication, necessitating transparent, systemic approaches in health care organisations. Effective nurse–patient/family communication is crucial for holistic care, emphasising emotional support and trust. The review underscores the importance of flexible yet systematic communication interventions in ICU settings to meet diverse needs. Keywords: Nursing, Effective communication, Intensive care unit.90enNursingEffective communicationIntensive care unitThesis