Four habits model helps nurses communicate with parents

Source: Patient Education & Counseling, Jul2014, Vol. 96 Issue 1, p72-78

Date of Publication: July 2014

In a nutshell: Communicating with parents whose children are in hospital is a task that needs a lot of skill so its important that the nurses who are doing it are well trained. Researchers from the University of Oklahoma and Indiana University studied the effectiveness of the Four Habits Model in teaching newly-qualified paediatric nurses. The four habits are: invest in the beginning by creating rapport quickly; elicit the patient’s perspective; demonstrate empathy and invest in the end by delivering clear information and involving the patient in making decisions. In the study one group of nurses took part in a simulation education session based on the Four Habits Model while the other group saw a one-hour video. The group who took part in the Four Habits training improved significantly in preparation, communication skills, relationships and confidence compared to the other group, regardless of their experience.