The effect of communication skills training on the self-efficacy of nurses: a systematic review and meta-analysis study

Background: Self-efficacy is one of the determinants of effective communication between the nurse and the patient, and promotion of communication skills can increase it. Aim: This systematic and meta-analysis study aims to investigate the effectiveness of communication skills training on the self-efficacy of nurses. Methods: PubMed, Science Direct, CINAHL and Web of science were searched up to 2017, for relevant studies. Studies that assessed the effect of communication skills training on the self-efficacy of nursing personnel were included in the study. Finally, 10 studies were selected. In this study, novice and nursing students were not considered. The standard deviation (SD) mean of changes in communication self-efficacy was used to assess Hedges' g to be used as a size effect for meta-analysis. DerSimonian and hard random effects model was included in the study in order to summarize the effects. Results: Meta-analysis findings showed that communication skills training could improve nurses' self-efficacy (Hedge's g = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.311-0.699, p<0.001). Education was also affected by increasing the self-efficacy based on the random-effects model. Its effect retained significant in single group trials. The effectiveness of communication skills training was higher in studies with the intervention group compared with control groups. The quality of studies was investigated based on Cochran. Most studies were qualitatively low. Conclusion: Educational programs for nurses' communication improve their feelings towards self-efficacy communication. Due to the importance of self-efficacy in communication skills development, training related communication skills should be considered as a permanent program in hospitals.