Factors influencing critical care nurses' communication difficulties with mechanically ventilated patients: Nurses' perspectives.

BACKGROUND Communication is regarded as an important aspect of nursing care and is an indispensable part of the nurse's professional role. AIM This study aimed to explore the factors influencing critical care nurses' communication difficulties with mechanically ventilated patients. METHODS A qualitative study with a descriptive design was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 critical care nurses. Data were analyzed using Bardin's content analysis method. RESULTS Three categories and eight subcategories were extracted: nurses' own factors (professional value differences, disconnection between cognition and behavior, failed communication experiences); patient factors (individual differences, loss of emotional control); organizational factors (poor communication environment, limitations of communication assistance tools, a culture of flawed communication). CONCLUSIONS There are diverse factors influencing critical care nurses' communication difficulties with mechanically ventilated patients. Hospital administrators should establish a complete guarantee mechanism for critical care nurses by improving the communication environment, continuously building capacities, and providing organizational recognition and motivation.