title: Discourse analysis of nurse-patient communication in a hospital setting: implications for staff development.
abstract: This ethnographic study examined the symmetry (active listening)/asymmetry (dominance) of nurse-patient communication. A convenience sample of 20 gendered nurse-patient pairs from two community hospitals participated. Eleven discourse modes emerged from taped conversations between nurses and patients. In many nurse-patient interactions, nurses demonstrated symmetry; however, symmetry and asymmetry changed throughout the conversation. Nurses often missed cues that patients needed someone to listen to their concerns. Staff development implications include teaching strategies that increase symmetrical nurse-patient communication.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Connecticut, USA. Cynthia.barrere@quinnipiac.edu
authors.forename: Cynthia C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Barrere
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000884:Anthropology, Cultural; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D003142:Communication; D003463:Cues; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D017008:Negotiating; D009511:New England; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010358:Patient Participation / Q000523:psychology; D012737:Sex Factors; D012930:Social Dominance; D013192:Staff Development / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013637:Tape Recording