Communication skills training for nurses: Is it time for a standardised nursing model?

Communication is a core and complex skill required by all healthcare professionals (HCP), an activity that is affected by attitudes, emotions and knowledge The process of communication is central to effective, safe, patient-centred and compassionate nursing practice. Communication between nurses, patients and their families can be improved with education and training We contend that not only can it be improved, it must be improved, and that education is key. The stakes for nurses' communication are high as its' effectiveness impacts patient safety and sentinel events, workplace culture and job satisfaction Globally, most patient complaints relate to communication breakdowns with HCPs [4]. For communication in nursing education to advance globally in strategic ways, an understanding of the current educational landscape is critical. The aim of this paper is to