Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Designing a truth-based communication model in patient ethical care process

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

. Alireza Nikbakht Nasrabadi
. Soodabeh Joolaee 1
. Elham Navab 2
. Maryam Esmaeilie 3
. Mahboobeh Shali 2
. Neda Sheikhzakaryaee 4

1 Center of Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, Vancouver, BC, Canada, Nursing Care Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Critical Care Nursing and Management, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

3 Department of Critical Care Nursing and Management, Nursing Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

4 Department of Pediatric Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Providing information based on truth is very important in patients’ treatment‑related
decisions and reduces emotional and physical sufferings as well as patient costs. The aim of this
study was to design a model that is based on the culture and health‑care context of Iran in order to
establish a truth‑based communication and provide accurate information to patient.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This qualitative study was conducted in 2019. Data were collected
through semi‑structured interviews with 18 nurses who had been selected by purposeful sampling
method. Data analysis was performed in two steps. In the first step, the participants’ experiences were
determined using the grounded theory approach. In the next step, using Walker and Evant’s (2011)
method, the concepts and statements were combined and presented in a central concept.
RESULTS: The central concept in this study was “an attempt to establish a truth‑based communication
with patient,” and then, a truth‑based communication model was presented. The components of the
model were presented in three parts: improving patient communication skills, managing the situation
in which the truth is presented, and the patient’s participation in decision‑making.
CONCLUSION: To present the truth of the treatment, which can sometimes be unpleasant and
bitter, it is very important to improve communication skills and choose an effective communication
strategy. To establish a truth‑based communication, it is necessary to create a suitable ground for
communication, which should be provided in clinical setting and community.

Keywords

Care
ethics
grounded theory
model
truth‑telling
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Journal of Education and Health Promotion
Volume 10, Issue 11
November 2020
Pages 1-6

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