Effectiveness of an Integrated Ethical and Therapeutical Communication Program on Critical Care Unit Nurses' Practices

Abstract

Objective: (1) To assess critical care unit nurses’ practices related to ethical and therapeutic communication. (2) To evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated educational program on improving nurses’ knowledge and practices in critical care units.

Study Design: A quasi-experimental study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Hilla Teaching Hospitals, Babylon, Iraq, from 20th March to 10th July 2025.

Methods: One hundred and ten nurses were randomly allocated to experimental (n=55) and control (n=55) groups. The experimental group received an integrated ethics and communication training program, while the control group did not. Data were collected using validated tools: a 72-item knowledge questionnaire (r=0.84) and a 34-itxem practice checklist (r=0.79). Assessments were done before, immediately after, and one month post-intervention.

Results: The experimental group showed significant improvements (p<0.05) in knowledge and practices compared with the control group. Posttest results revealed a shift from poor/fair to good levels in ethical decision-making, informed consent, patient autonomy, communication skills, and patient safety. Improvements were retained at one- month follow-up. Age and educational level predicted gains, while sex and experience had no significant effect.

Conclusion: The integrated ethical and therapeutic communication program effectively enhanced critical care nurses’ knowledge, practices, and ethical awareness, promoting safer and more compassionate care.