COMMUNICATION MANAGEMENT FOR NURSE EMPOWERMENT

Abstract

This qualitative research aimed to 1) study communication management to empower professional nurses in the outpatient nursing department of Praphokklao Hospital, 2) study their needs and expectations, and 3) propose communication management guidelines. The key informants were selected using purposive sampling, consisting of 22 professional nurses (6 at the administrative level and 16 at the operational level). Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observation, and document analysis. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis based on Braun and Clarke's concepts and triangulated for reliability. The results showed that a “hybrid communication system” is currently used through multiple channels such as face-to-face communication, telephone, LINE, and meetings. However, problems such as lack of clarity, insufficient feedback, inaccuracies, and one-way communication are observed. Professional nurses therefore desire a two-way communication system with clear feedback, opportunities to express opinions within a psychologically safe environment, and leadership that encourages participation. The guidelines for managing communication to empower professional nurses consist of six aspects: 1) establishing a two-way communication system and verifiable feedback; 2) defining clear standards and formats for information; 3) selecting appropriate channels based on importance and urgency; 4) emphasizing face-to-face communication on key issues; 5) creating a sense of psychological safety in expressing opinions; and 6) developing supervisors to be leaders in supportive communication. In summary, communication management is not merely a tool for transmitting information, but a strategic mechanism for empowering professional nurses, helping to increase engagement, reduce errors in work performance, and sustainably enhance patient safety.