Determining the status of nurses' and mothers' perception of nurse-mother communication in neonatal units of selected hospitals in Bushehr ‎province

Nurse-mother communication is a challenge in neonatal units, and many moral debates in these units are due to communication problems between mothers and nurses. The present study was performed to determine the status of nurses' and mothers' perceptions of nurse-mother ‎communication in the neonatal units of selected hospitals in ‎Bushehr ‎province in 2021‎.

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in six hospitals in Bushehr province. Nurses and mothers who met the inclusion criteria were included in this study using the two-month census method. Data collection tools included the mothers’ and nurses’ demographic information forms and questionnaires on their perception of nurse-mother ‎communication. The validity and reliability of questionnaires have been confirmed in previous studies. ‎Data collected from 104 nurses and 236 mothers were analyzed using SPSS version 24.

The mean score of mothers' perception of nurse-mother communication was 59.27±12.82 and the mean score of nurses' perception of nurse-mother communication was 73.37±9.57. In addition, a statistically significant relationship was found between the mean score of mothers' perception of nurse-mother communication and the admitted unit and the gestational age of the baby. There was also a statistically significant relationship between nurses' perception of nurse-mother communication and their employment status.

Mothers' perception of nurse-mother communication was at a moderate level, while nurses' perception was at a high level. Considering the existing difference between their perceptions, planning is needed to enhance the role of nurses and strengthen their ‎communication skills consistent with the family-centered care approach. It is therefore suggested that nursing authorities provide a platform to educate nurses and make them more familiar with mothers' needs.