A quasi-experimental pre- and post- study was carried out involving 150 healthcare professionals working at two private hospitals in Jeddah, KSA. The study aimed to assess the effect of educational campaigns on interpersonal communication skills among healthcare professionals and to explore the effect of educational campaigns on their skills. It was planned to achieve these objectives through the use of an educational campaign about communication skills with both data collection tools (an interpersonal communication skills inventory questionnaire) and a post- campaign evaluation form.
Communication is a vital clinical ability that is used to build a therapeutic relationship, comprehend patients’ viewpoints, explore ideas and feelings, and help them make positive health improvements [10]. In health, the tools of the communicational mix are based on interpersonal communication. Interpersonal (inter-human) communication was the first human spiritual tool of the socialization process [11] and is defined by Floyd [12] as the communication that takes place between two people in the context of their relationship and that, as it evolves, helps to negotiate and define that relationship [11, 12].
This study illustrated that the interpersonal communication skill inventory parameter scores, namely sending clear messages, listening, giving and receiving feedback, and handling emotional reactions, were significantly improved following the educational campaign. In our study, there was a significant improvement in the responses to the interpersonal communication skill inventory in all its domains when measured post-test. It is important to note that the extent of the difference between the pre- and post-educational campaigns may vary depending on factors such as the duration and intensity of the campaign, the level of participation and engagement from the healthcare professionals, and the presence of ongoing support and reinforcement of communication skills.
Effective communication skills in healthcare settings are known to contribute to better patient outcomes, including improved satisfaction, reduced medical errors, and increased compliance with medical regimens. Research has shown that communication errors are among the leading causes of medical errors, and these errors can result in adverse patient outcomes, increased healthcare costs, and legal implications [10]. When healthcare professionals are effective communicators, they can establish rapport, build trust, offer reassurance, provide emotional support, and convey important information accurately and efficiently. Patients who feel heard and understood are more likely to follow their physicians’ advice, participate in their care decisions, and achieve better health outcomes [10].
Combining verbal forms (oral and written language), nonverbal forms (gestures, mimics, posture, movement, and appearance), and paraverbal forms (by voice attributes associated with the word, including pronunciation, the inflection of voice, tone, rhythm, and spoken flow) produces interpersonal communication. There are several variables that can affect it: the degree of spatial proximity or closeness; the boundaries and extent of physical contact in these relationships; the friendly or authoritative style of communication; the exchange of glances that constitute visual communication; the volume and pace of the interactions; and the dynamics of reciprocal self-development [12, 13].
Healthcare professionals are in continuous need of being trained for a better grasp of communication techniques and strategies, enabling them to engage in more effective and patient- centred communication. Moreover, in the medical act, communication is an active process that involves the transmission and reception of information. The ability of the physician to listen, explain, and empathize can have a significant impact on the patient’s health state and functioning, as well as their satisfaction with the medical system’s provision of healthcare [10, 11].
The present work revealed that nationality and mother language were significant predictors of interpersonal communication skills. Healthcare professionals with the same nationality and mother language as the patient have a great capability to communicate, understand, listen, and give feedback to the patient. Also, the professional can then prescribe a treatment plan that will be suitable for the patient’s cultural habits and refrain from certain constraints that may be encountered in such a community [12]. The older and more qualified healthcare professionals are, the greater their interpersonal communication skills, with the development of extensive experience and abilities in diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up plans [13]. These findings from earlier research are consistent with those obtained in the current research work.
This research work illustrated that marital status and perceived satisfaction with work conditions were significant predictors of interpersonal skills among healthcare professionals. Stabilization of one’s personal social life, including marital status, has an effect on the pattern of communication with others, and the addition of satisfaction with the work environment allows healthcare professionals to work in a relaxed, comfortable way. Of course, this will be reflected in their communication patterns with their patients, team, and colleagues [14]. The level of satisfaction will be affected not only by the working hours but by the number of shifts as well [15] which in congruence with this study results.
The current research revealed that the specialty of the healthcare professional is one of the significant predictors of interpersonal communication skills. Some healthcare specialties require special and more talented communication skills than others, especially those who are dealing with issues that are sensitive for the patient. Therefore, to be a successful healthcare provider in this field, it is necessary to develop and observe one’s interpersonal communication skills in a continuous manner [16]. Nurses are often the first point of contact for patients, and they play an essential role in coordinating and delivering patient care. As such, effective communication skills are necessary for nurses not only to provide high quality care but also to collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure seamless delivery of care. For instance, effective communication skills can help a nurse identify a patient’s needs, provide necessary interventions, and inform physicians of any changes in the patient’s condition [11].
This study demonstrates, from the evaluation of our educational campaign, that it was met with great satisfaction by the healthcare professionals in all its aspects, achieving a high score. Effective communication has double benefits for the physician‒patient relationship and for the teamwork and collaboration in healthcare settings [16]. It will eliminate the challenges in communication among healthcare professionals that can lead to misunderstandings, delays, or conflicts [17]. Moreover, there may be a positive impact on teamwork and collaboration, with improved communication skills enabling better information-sharing, coordination, and decision- making among healthcare professionals [16,17].