• Health Communication
• /
• v.12 no.1
• /
• pp.97-110
• /
• 2017

Purpose: This study is an overview of the experiences of nurses who have participated in a communication education program which was designed to develop proper change-of-shift dialogues. The goal of this program was to improve the communication competencies of outgoing and incoming nurses during handover and takeover of their shifts. Methods: The materials used in this study to analyze the experiences qualitatively were transcripts from narrative interviews with seven nurse participants. The education program consisted of two rounds of change-of-shift simulations by pairs of nurses, planning of a forthcoming change-of-shift, three lectures on ideal dialogue patterns, and time for video feedback. Afterwards the participants' experiences of the program were evaluated generally, highlighting the positive and the negative aspects, and how this educational experiences might affect their future change-of-shift activities. Results: High practicability, originality, professionalism, and effectiveness were some of the positive assessments made by the nurse participants. In addition, they pointed out that the sample video in which two professors performed an ideal handover and takeover and the paper kardex were both quite unrealistic. The location of the change-of-shift simulation was also unfamiliar so it needed to be supplemented. However, most of the nurses took for granted that such a communication education program is necessary and that it will provide a substantial help in their future job performance. In this regard they recommended the program to all related hospitals and nursing schools. Conclusion: The results of this study could be applied to other forms of communication education programs regardless of the specific area where communication takes place.