Lost in Translation: A Meta-Synthesis of Communication and Missed Nursing Care

Abstract

Communication is seen as essential in operationalizing various industries, such as the healthcare sector. In nursing practice, the process facilitates building trust between nurses, patients, and colleagues, which can result in quality care. This meta-synthesis examines the intricate relationship between communication and instances of missed nursing care. A total of ten (10) published research studies were reviewed and sourced from various databases. It identifies three main themes: the communication crisis stemming from overworked nurses, the gaps between patient expectations and nurse communication, and the importance of expertise in bridging care gaps. The meta-synthesis highlights that high workloads and inadequate staffing hinder nurses’ ability to communicate effectively, resulting in misunderstandings of roles and responsibilities among patients. The finding suggests a need for better policies in the nursing profession and training to enhance communication skills to bridge care gaps and enrich patient experiences.