Book Review
Interpersonal communication in nursing: Theory and practice
Roger B Ellis, Robert J Gates and Neil Kenworthy
ISBN: 978-0-443049-96-5; 1995; 145 pages; WB Saunders Company;
Cath Hall
Lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Division of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, City East Campus, SA
This well set out, easy to read book purports to address the needs of nurses at all levels, diploma student to manager, plus other health and social care professionals. This is a big ask. The intention is that by encouraging the reader to reflect about how one actually communicates one can become more objective and analytical about ones own style. I think this book does in some ways try to meet these objectives.
The book is divided into 2 parts. Part 1 lays the foundations of communication with each chapter addressing a different aspect: defining communication, the person in communication, social factors affecting communication, psychological factors affecting communication, and lastly improving communication. Regarding content, while the standard inclusions for a communication text are here, I was concerned at some of the dated references, eg the discussion about culture in context while directing us to others work in this area, Stockwell's 1972 research is the only one cited. I was also surprised that the psychodynamic model (p.19-24) was given so much space as was Carl Rogers (p.69).
I found the exercises (often set in boxes) were easy to follow for the teacher/lecturer rather than the student; perhaps this was the intent. Some were very thought provoking and yet there appeared to be omissions. For example, when discussing the skill of feedback - there was no exercise to assist this, just a 'how to' list (p.78).
The third chapter about the social factors affecting communication was both well written and a useful inclusion. Referring the reader to research was another helpful strategy. There were good examples used to describe and hence explain the text.
I was surprised however considering our every growing elderly population that the elderly section was given minimal space.
Part 2 of the book contains six chapters: communication in groups and organisations, the counselling relationship, the mentoring relationship, making the most of clinical supervision, communication and leadership, and lastly communicating with the wider world. Again in these chapters there were some odd inclusions eg gestalt group work exercise (p.101) and many old references (1970's).
The examples in the counselling chapter were UK centric with examples such as 'Student nurse failed her end of common foundation programme' (p.119). The chapter on mentoring starts well with reference to Greek philosophy, however yet again, many of the principles and materials used are old and add nothing new to the debate. Similarly in the clinical supervision chapter no analysis or recent research is considered.
The final chapter's aim is to 'improve nurses' understanding of the nature, meaning and purpose of leadership and the role played by communication in helping leaders achieve their aims' (p.163). This again is very UK focussed with many National Health Service references. However the principles are transferable, such as collaboration and negotiation and networking.
In summary this book has set out to offer a great deal yet to my mind if offers little more than the basics.
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