Perceptions of Long-Term Care Nurses and Nursing Assistants about Communication Related to Residents’ Care

Context: Research shows ineffective healthcare team communication is linked to sentinel and adverse healthcare events (Gooch 2016; Robson 2016; Wagner et al. 2018). Long-term care (LTC) facilities face unique challenges of caring for frail elderly (Young 2003), who are at increased risk for cascading negative health events beginning with functional decline (Lakshmi 2014). Frequent, effective nursing team communication is essential to providing safe care for these individuals. (Castle 2007; Cortes et al. 2004; Foulkes 2011; Griffin et al. 2016; Howe 2013; Madden et al. 2017; Siegel & Young 2010). Objective: The purpose of this study was to use findings from a survey of staff to inform a quality improvement initiative (Appendix A) to enhance nursing team communication. The study explored the perceptions of LTC nursing staff (i.e., registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and unlicensed assistive personnel (UAPs) about their communication related to resident care. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive survey design was used to explore perceptions of nursing staff working in a LTC setting about their communication. Findings: All levels of nursing staff contributed useful information regarding nursing staff communication, including their contributions, their communication, the frequency of communication, and the methods of communicating. Limitations: This study was done at one LTC facility, which limits the generalizability of the findings, though the study can be replicated easily at the city, state, regional, or national level to explore LTC nursing team communication in public and private facilities, including government LTC facilities (i.e., for veterans). Implications: Evidence-based standardized communication tools succinctly implemented for communication between nursing staff will bridge patient care communication barriers and positively impact teamwork, leadership, and workplace culture while improving resident and facility outcomes.