Interpersonal Communication among Critical Care Nurses: an Ethnographic Study

Interpersonal communication in critical care units is one of the most important factors due to complicated and critical conditions of patients. Nurses’ confrontation with ethical distresses and conflict resolution techniques are often influenced by the culture governing these units. This study aimed to explore interpersonal communication culture among critical care nurses.

A focused ethnographic approach was used to conduct study in Iran. The research method was based on the research evolutionary cycle model recommended by Spradley (1980). Data were collected over six months through purposeful sampling and semi structured interviews (n=18) and participation observation (n=43). The data were obtained over six months of observation and interview with participants. Data analysis was done by Spradley method and was interpreted to discover the meaning units from the obtained themes. MAXQDA10 was used to manage data.

Five major domains of observations and high-level consensus were extracted in this study, including grouping, work-life interaction, professionalism, organizational atmosphere and experience.

Development of interpersonal communication culture is influenced by various factors. Besides, the working models and nurses’ use of workspace are indispensable components of effective communication at workplace. The findings of this study can be helpful in determining appropriate strategies and practices to resolve communication problems among nurses by specifying challenges, thereby leading to proper communication among nurses, promoting this communication and finally providing high quality and more effective care.