HEALTH WORKERS PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS AS DETERMINANTS OF UTILIZATION OF THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION SKILLS IN TEACHING HOSPITALS IN EDO STATE

Abstract

This study examined health workers’ personal characteristics as determinants of the adoption and utilization of therapeutic communication skills in selected public and private teaching hospitals in Edo State, South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Patients seek healthcare services with high expectations of quick and lasting recovery; however, the extent to which these expectations are met depends largely on the ability of health workers to effectively communicate therapeutic information. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted for the study. The population comprised doctors, nurses, and pharmacists in Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital (a private teaching hospital) and University of Benin Teaching Hospital (a public teaching hospital). Using multi-stage sampling techniques, a sample size of 500 health workers was selected. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire, and descriptive and inferential statistical tools were employed for data analysis. Findings revealed that five major therapeutic communication skills written, oral, contextual, listening, and combined skills—were utilized by health workers at varying levels. Doctors predominantly used written and listening skills, nurses relied more on oral and listening skills, while pharmacists demonstrated greater use of contextual skills. Gender differences showed that female health workers utilized oral and listening skills more frequently, whereas males made greater use of written and contextual skills. Years of service and career status significantly influenced the utilization of therapeutic communication skills, with senior and more experienced health workers demonstrating higher levels of competence. The study concludes that personal characteristics such as gender, years of service, and professional rank significantly determine the utilization of therapeutic communication skills among health workers in public and private teaching hospitals.