Neonatal and Pediatric Medicine
Open Access

Abstract

Aim: Effective communication between nurses and children is crucial for delivering quality healthcare. Despite its significance, there is limited knowledge about the experiences of pediatric nurses in communicating with children. Therefore, this study aims to conduct a meta-synthesis review to explore the unique experiences of pediatric nurses in this aspect. Method: We conducted a meta-synthesis review, following the outline proposed by Sandelowski, Barrosso & Voils. Our search encompassed six electronic databases, namely PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO (MEDLINE), Web of Science, SAGE, and Wiley. The Primary keywords used were â�?�?nurseâ�?, â�?�?childâ�?, â�?�?communicationâ�?, and â�?�?qualitativeâ�?. We included qualitative articles in English within the field of pediatric nursing without any geographical or time constrains. Initially, 1980 records were identified which reduced to 1339 references after removing duplicates. Subsequently, we assessed 112 full-text articles for eligibility and 14 relevant studies were ultimately included in our review. Quality appraisal was conducted using the Critical Appraisal Skill Program checklist with no study being excluded based on quality criteria. Data were synthesized using the qualitative thematic analysis method. Results: The data analysis yielded three themes and seven subthemes. These themes include: swinging between triadic and dyadic communication, applying a hybrid of communication methods, and influential factor in communication. Conclusions: This study highlights the significance of establishing a balanced approach between dyadic communication (nurse and child) and triadic communication (nurseparent- child) in pediatric care. Pediatric nurses emphasized the simultaneous use of verbal and non-verbal methods to enhance effective communication. Additionally, identifying the influential factors in communication can aid in developing and improving nursesâ�?�? competency in communication skills within pediatric departments. Implications: Understanding the communication process and the factors that influence it can be instrumental in equipping pediatric nurses with enhanced communication skills in their practice. Keywords: Communication, Children, Nurse, Meta-synthesis, Qualitative research

Biography

Raheleh is an assistance professor of nursing working as a faculty member in Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey. She graduated from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran in 2014. She has more than 7 years’ experience in nursing education and teaching. She wrote 7 books and published more than 25 articles in international journals