# Bridging Communication Gaps: A Study on Effective Patient Communication Among Respiratory Therapy Students and Interns

## TL;DR

This study examines how well respiratory therapy students and interns communicate with patients, finding gender and experience differences that suggest the need for better training.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into communication skills among respiratory therapy students and interns, a group underrepresented in healthcare communication research.

## Key findings

- Female students were more proficient in concluding patient interviews.
- Male students excelled in understanding communication with unconscious patients.
- Interns showed better communication skills, especially in using open-ended questions and giving patients time to speak.

## Abstract

Introduction

Effective communication in healthcare plays a pivotal role, significantly impacting patient experiences and outcomes. While much of the current literature focuses on communication dynamics among physicians and nurses, a gap exists in understanding these dynamics within allied health professions such as respiratory therapy. This study explores the knowledge, attitudes, and awareness of patient communication among respiratory therapy students and interns.

Methods

This descriptive cross-sectional study investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and awareness of effective communication methods with patients among respiratory therapy students and interns in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Using a validated self-administered questionnaire, the study surveyed 350 individuals from three universities and associated hospitals.

Results

The analysis involved 350 participants, with females comprising 55.1%. The study found that the highest level of agreement (mean 4.6±0.62) was regarding essential knowledge related to introducing respiratory therapists to patients during communication. Female students demonstrated significant proficiency in concluding patient interviews (P=0.033), while male students excelled in comprehending communication methods with unconscious patients (P=0.010). Interns exhibited the most comprehensive understanding of patient communication skills, particularly in employing open-ended questions (P=0.009) and allowing adequate time for patients to express their concerns (P=0.020). Gender and academic progression were identified as factors influencing patient communication skills in respiratory therapy students and interns.

Conclusion

This study highlights the need for tailored communication training for respiratory therapy students and interns. It emphasizes the importance of enhancing proficiency in this vital field by addressing knowledge gaps and identifying areas for improvement.