Nurse–patient interaction: a review of the literature

AIMS: The aims of this paper are to review a theoretical model useful for developing nursing knowledge related to nurse-patient interaction, review the literature on nurse-patient interaction, and discuss areas for further research. THEORETICAL MODEL: Goffman's theory of face work. RESULTS: Nurse-patient interaction is a central element of clinical nursing practice. This paper shows how Goffman's model can be used as a theoretical framework for understanding nurse-patient communication. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Issues such as power, the social and cultural context, and interpersonal competence are shown to be important in the quality of nurse-patient interactions and nurses need to take cognizance of these factors in their interactions with patients.