Abstract:
Background: Effective communication significantly improves patient care, satisfaction, and
adherence to treatment. Studies have highlighted gaps in communication between healthcare
professionals and patients, especially across different cultural backgrounds.
Objective: To determine perceived nurse-patient communication barriers among nursing officers
at Teaching Hospital Jaffna, Sri Lanka
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 240
nursing officers at Teaching Hospital, Jaffna. The data were collected using a self-administered
questionnaire comprised of socio-demographic characteristics and nurse-patient communication
barriers. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics using SPSS version 25.0.
Results: In the sample, male and female representation was equal (50%, n=120) with a mean±SD
age of 32±6.5 years. Most of the participants were unmarried (50%, n=120), Hindus (69%, n=166)
and educated up to diploma level (65%, n=155). The mother language of the majority of
participants was Tamil (79%, n=189) whilst the remaining were Sinhala (21%, n=51). Most
prevalent perceived barriers affecting communication among nursing officers include heavy
workload (92%, n=220), lack of language proficiency (90%, n=217), shortage of nurses (87%,
n=209), inadequate training on communication skills (86%, n=206), lack of privacy (85%, n=204),
lack of access to communication tools and technology (82%, n=198), culture and ethical
differences (82%, n=198), unfamiliar environments (80%, n=204), and unwillingness of patients
to communicate (69%, n=165).
Conclusion: Communication barriers faced by nursing officers are multifaceted stemming from
language, culture and working environment. Therefore, addressing these challenges would
enhance the quality of patient care.
