NURSES’ COMMUNICATION IN CRISIS SITUATIONS AS A KEY ELEMENT IN ENSURING EFFECTIVE MEDICAL CARE

Abstract

Introduction. In the current realities of social development, the healthcare system faces constant changes caused by a range of new social, medical, and humanitarian challenges. Under these conditions, the role of a nurse goes far beyond the technical execution of procedures: she becomes an intermediary between the patient, the patient’s family, and the medical team. The effectiveness of communication determines not only the quality of medical care but also the psychological state of patients.

The aim of the study – to determine the importance of nurses’ communication in crisis situations and to investigate its impact on the effectiveness of medical care delivery.

The main part. The study involved a systematic literature search in scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, as well as an analysis of contemporary Ukrainian and international scientific literature, a generalization of practical nursing experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, and survey data from healthcare workers in medical institutions. The analysis showed that effective communication in crisis conditions performs several key functions: it ensures the timely delivery of reliable information to patients and their relatives, helps reduce stress levels, increases trust in medical personnel, and minimizes the risk of conflicts and misunderstandings in the treatment process. In addition, well-established communication within the medical team enables coordination of staff actions and reduces the likelihood of medical errors. Problematic factors remain the high level of emotional burden, time constraints, and insufficient training in crisis communication. At the same time, the practice of implementing simulation training and courses on the development of communication skills demonstrates positive results, increasing nurses’ preparedness for action in emergency situations.

Conclusions. Communication is one of the fundamental tools of nurses’ activity in crisis conditions. It determines not only the level of patients’ trust but also the effectiveness of teamwork, contributes to improving the quality of medical care, and helps preserve the health and lives of people. Further development of communicative competencies should become a priority in the training and professional development of nursing personnel.