Despite the implementation of several communication programs for nurses working in hospitals, no evidence-based systematic review has yet been conducted on their efficacy.

In this systematic review of communication programs for nurses, we searched for literature published between 2011 and 2020 in four foreign databases and one domestic database (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and RISS). The papers identified were evaluated on their quality using Version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2). The main search terms included “nurse”, “communication”, “program”, and “intervention.” Thirteen articles were included in the final analysis.

The communication programs utilized various teaching methods – such as simulation, reflection, and debriefing – with a majority of these programs significantly improving participants’ communication skills and performance. However, the overall quality of the studies was low concerning the randomization process and measurement; relatively few studies made use of online education methods. All variables assessed using self-reported measures were significant, but not all showed significant results when using objective measures as assessed by the evaluators.

The study’s findings suggest a need for programs dealing with nurses’ communication with health care providers in diverse clinical settings and online-based simulation programs. Moreover, high-quality literature applying the randomization process and measurement is required. Additionally, it is necessary to use both subjective and objective measures to evaluate the overall communication capacities of nurses and reflect the contextual characteristics of various clinical settings.