Communication and Competencies Across Undergraduate BSN Programs and Curricula

Abstract

Background: An investigation was conducted to assess for and describe health communication instruction in entry-level baccalaureate (BSN) programs. Method: This cross-sectional descriptive study examined entry-level baccalaureate degree nursing programs in the United States. A three-step process was used: (1) online survey of directors of BSN programs, (2) online survey of simulation directors, and (3) analysis of course titles and descriptions. Results: Communication instruction remains primarily knowledge-based rather than skills-based. The findings of this study confirm there is ambiguity in defining the scope of communication instruction across curricula, as well as radical differences in the inclusion of communication in course descriptions and content. Conclusion: There is a need for clear definition of the scope of health communication skill development across BSN programs for communication behaviors to be measured and competency to be determined. A knowledge-building approach to communication instruction does not align with new plans for competency-based nursing education. [ J Nurs Educ . 2021;60(11):618–624.]

User Experience and Evaluation of the COMFORT Communication App for Nursing Education

“…It was common for nursing students to describe communication on an informational level, rather than a relational one, 26 and equate health literacy with using and implementing plain language. These perceptions may also signal an opportunity for introducing more communication science within nursing education 2 . Communication as a concept in undergraduate BSN programs is receiving more focus, especially as recent accreditation revisions for the BSN require communication competencies, with some specific knowledge content derived from COMFORT (https://www.aacnnursing.org/AACN-Essentials/Implementation-Tool-Kit).…”

“…

OVID-19-transformed education and a revised accreditation structure by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing catalyze the engagement of new communication education tools for undergraduate nursing students. 1,2 Mobile technologies are steadily increasing in healthcare provider preparation via knowledge assessment tests, board examination preparation, e-learning and teaching, and case studies. 3,4 Undergraduate nursing students report that apps provide a portal to evidence-based materials 5,6 and develop skills and confidence related to their career.

…”