Keywords

authority gradient, communication, nursing education, patient advocacy, patient safety

Authors

1. Walrath, Jo M. PhD, RN
2. Immelt, Susan PhD, RN
3. Ray, Ellen M. DNP, RN, CNM
4. van Graafeiland, Brigit DNP, CPNP
5. Dennison Himmelfarb, Cheryl PhD, RN, FAAN

Abstract

In this post hoc review, prelicensure students' observations of communication interactions were evaluated to assess the students' ability to recognize ineffective professional communication due to an authority gradient and the resultant impact on the patient, other team members, and self. By expanding curricular content to include structured communication strategies using simulation, interprofessional education, and debriefing, students' advocacy skills should improve and potential patient safety risks should decrease as authority gradients are effectively challenged.