Objective:

To assess the effect of a training program in communication skills for nurses through the perspective of the patients who receive their care.

Method:

This is a quasi-experimental study over the implementation of a communication skills-training program for nurses. The structured learning strategy for shaping and applying social skills towards facilitating the therapeutical relationship based on respect and empathy was followed. The perception of patients was measured with the Nursing Behavior regarding Communication Observed by Patients (NBCOP) scale. This instrument was applied to 2 groups of adult patients in a public institution of third level. The first group included the patients attended by nurses who did not receive the training. The second group included the patients attended by nurses who received the training. The satisfaction and social desirability of patients regarding communication was also measured by means of an analog scale. Mann Whitney U and Fisher exact tests were performed.

Results:

No significant changes were observed regarding the total scale, however, significant changes at P<.05 were identified in 2 behaviors: nurses cuddle the patient to encourage him/her, and nurses chat with the patient while taking his/her pressure.

Conclusions:

The differences observed in 2 of 10 assessed behaviors in the group of patients attended by nurses who received the training supports the importance of the nursing training in the area of inter-personal communication.