Impact of emotional intelligence and spiritual intelligence on the caring behavior of nurses: a dimension-level exploratory study among public hospitals in Malaysia

The Association between Nursing Students' Happiness, Emotional Intelligence, and Perceived Caring Behavior in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

Caring behavior is a major focus of the nursing profession and an important dimension of nursing practice that sets nurses apart from other healthcare professionals. Effective patient-centered care requires ensuring nurses have the emotional intelligence and happiness to address the daily demands of practice. The purpose of this study is to examine the emotional intelligence and happiness among nursing students and their relationship with caring behaviors.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, descriptive correlational study was conducted on nursing students (n = 363) from Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, via an online survey. Measures include demographic data survey, Oxford Happiness Questionnaire, Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire, and Caring Behaviors Inventory scale. Descriptive and multiple regression analyses were conducted for this study.

RESULTS

Nursing students reported their highest degree of caring was in terms of 'respectful differences to others', while their lowest was in 'knowledge and skills'. Emotional intelligence and happiness were significant predictors of caring behaviors and explained the variance in assurance of human presence (17.5%), knowledge and skills (17.5%), respectful differences to others (18%), and positive connectedness (12.9%). In the final regression model, emotional intelligence and happiness were significant predictors of caring behaviors and explained 19.5% of the variance.

CONCLUSIONS

Emotional intelligence and happiness among nursing students were found to be important factors to improve their caregiving behaviors. Therefore, nursing educators should consider integrating emotional intelligence and happiness interventions for students into their curriculum.

The effect of work setting and demographic factors on caring behaviour among nurses in the public hospitals and public health services, Sabah, Malaysia

BACKGROUND

The nursing profession's uniqueness contributes to the development of knowledge, experience, age, education, economy, and position, as well as a unique gender role. Thus, the development and advancement of demographic characteristics of nurses while in this profession influences their caring behavior.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of work setting and demographic factors on nurses' caring behaviour, as well as the differences in nurses' caring behaviour based on demographic factors between nurses in public hospitals and nurses in public health services in Sabah, Malaysia.

METHODS

This research is a cross-sectional study using the survey method. Data were collected from 3,532 nurses (88.3% response rate) in public hospitals and public health services within Sabah, Malaysia. Data were analysed using two-way ANOVA.

RESULTS

The two-way ANOVA test revealed no significant impact of the work setting on CB, nor was there a notable interaction between the work setting and demographic factors influencing nurses' CB. However, demographic factors such as gender, age, education, economic status, position, and experience had a significant effect on CB.

CONCLUSION

The present research has provided convergent evidence on the effect of demographic factors on nurses caring behavior and the differences in caring behavior based on demographic factors among nurses in public hospitals and public health services in Sabah, Malaysia.

Empathy, emotional intelligence and interprofessional skills in healthcare education

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health professionals maintain the health of citizens through evidence-based medicine and caring. Students enroled in health professional programmes are required to have successfully attained all core learning outcomes by reaching key milestones throughout the course of their studies, demonstrating they have developed the required graduate skills and attributes upon completion of the programme. While some of the knowledge, skills and competencies that make up these learning outcomes are very discipline specific, there are more general professional skills across all disciplines which are difficult to define, such as empathy, emotional intelligence and interprofessional skills. These are at the heart of all health professional programmes that once defined, can be mapped through curricula and further evaluated. Literature will be presented on these three professional skills: empathy, emotional intelligence, and interprofessional skills, based on studies that focussed primarily in health professional programmes and highlight some of the key findings and issues at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The paper will present the need for these skills to be defined and then mapped through curricula so that students are better supported in their professional development. Empathy, emotional intelligence and interprofessional skills transcend the discipline specific skills and as such it is important that all educators consider how best these may be fostered. Efforts should also be made to further the integration of these professional skills within curricula to produce health professionals with an enhanced focus on person-centred care.

Profiling health professionals' personality traits, behaviour styles and emotional intelligence: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Non-cognitive traits have been theorised to predict characteristics, career choice and outcomes of health professionals and could represent a homogenous group. This study aims to profile and compare personality traits, behaviour styles and emotional intelligence of health practitioners across a variety of professions.

METHODS

Empirical literature was systematically reviewed. A two-concept search strategy was applied to four databases (CINAHL, PubMed, Embase, ProQuest). Title/abstract and full text articles were screened against inclusion and exclusion criteria. Methodological quality was assessed using Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Data was synthesised narratively and meta-aggregated where feasible.

RESULTS

Three hundred twenty-one studies representing 153 assessment tools of personality (n = 83 studies), behaviour (n = 8), and emotional intelligence (n = 62) were included. Most studies (n = 171) explored personality (medicine, nursing, nursing assistants, dentistry, allied health, paramedics), revealing variation in traits across professions. Behaviour styles were least measured with only ten studies exploring these across four health professions (nursing, medicine, occupational therapy, psychology). Emotional intelligence (n = 146 studies) varied amongst professions (medicine, nursing, dentistry, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, radiology) with all exhibiting average to above-average scores.

CONCLUSION

Personality traits, behaviour styles and emotional intelligence are all key characteristics of health professionals reported in the literature. There is both heterogeneity and homogeneity within and between professional groups. The characterisation and understanding of these non-cognitive traits will aid health professionals to understand their own non-cognitive features and how these might be useful in predicting performance with potential to adapt these to enhance success within their chosen profession.

Spiritual intelligence and professional nursing practice: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The concept of spiritual intelligence was developed in 1997 based on philosophical theories and neurological evidence and introduced as the ultimate intelligence. Spiritual intelligence has been considered as one of the skills required by professionals and has recently gained traction within nursing practice. Understanding the role of spiritual intelligence and its association with professional nursing practice is crucial to creating knowledge in this area of inquiry.

Objective

To identify the best available evidence of the spiritual intelligence level and its correlation with professional practice among nurses.

Design

A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies were reported according to the PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines. The protocol for this systematic review was registered with PROSPERO with the identification CRD42021254881.

Data Sources

Ten electronic English and Persian databases [Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, CINAHL, Science Direct, Wiley Online Library, Magiran, SID, IranDoc] were searched to identify eligible studies, published in the English and Persian languages from January 2000 to May 2020.

Review Methods

A systematized search strategy was used to include eligible published and unpublished observational studies that examined the spiritual intelligence level and its correlation with professional practice among nurses. Screening, quality assessments, data extractions, and analysis were undertaken using Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and carried out by two independent reviewers.

Results

Thirty-five studies, with a total of 7301 nurses, were included. The mean score for spiritual intelligence in 29 studies and 5853 nurses was 0.63 (95% CI: 0.57-0.69, I2 = 99.97%). The Spiritual Intelligence Self-Report Inventory was the most frequently used instrument to measure spiritual intelligence. Most of the professional nursing outcomes represented a positive association with nurses' spiritual intelligence. The pooled positive correlation coefficients between spiritual intelligence and a professional nursing practice components including the art of nursing, competence, attributes of practice and, personal commitment were 0.34 (95% CI: 0.24, 0.43, I2 = 63.4%, 5 studies), 0.42 (95% CI: 0.25,0.56, I 2 = 62.2%, 2 studies), 0.32 (95% CI: 0.11, 0.50, I 2 = 92.2%, 5 studies) and 0.41 (95% CI: 0.34, 0.49, I 2 = 74.3%, 8 studies) respectively.

Conclusions

The findings of this systematic review indicated a relatively high level of spiritual intelligence among nurses that was moderately associated with professional nursing practice. implementing strategies to promote spiritual intelligence levels among nurses is warranted.

Factors influencing caring behaviour among registered nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic in China: A qualitative study using the COM-B framework

AIM

The aim of this work is to explore the influencing factors of nurses' caring behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic based on the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation as determinants of Behaviour (COM-B) theoretical framework.

BACKGROUND

Nurse caring behaviour is vital to reduce and speed up the healing process of COVID-19 patients. It is important to understand the factors that influence caring behaviour among nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Research suggests that when it comes to understanding behaviour, using a theoretical framework is likely to be most effective, and the COM-B framework is a recommended approach.

METHODS

Semistructured interviews with 42 nurses working in 11 Chinese cities were conducted, and their verbatim statements were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. The results were mapped to COM-B framework.

RESULTS

Ten key themes emerged: Capability (professional knowledge and skills, emotional intelligence, cross-cultural care competence); opportunity (resources, organizational culture, social culture); motivation (past experience, character, role, beliefs).

CONCLUSIONS

Ten factors were found to influence nurses' caring behaviour. This study added two new influencing factors, social culture and past experiences, that further contributed to the understanding of nurses' care behaviours.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT

Nurses' caring behaviour is influenced not only by themselves but also by institutions and society, so interventions aiming to improve their caring behaviour should consider these elements. The negative impact of the pandemic on capability factors that influence nurses' caring behaviour should be counteracted as soon as possible.

Effect of spiritual intelligence training on nurses' skills for communicating with patients - an experimental study

BACKGROUND

Since poor communication with the patient has a negative impact on the quality of nursing care, taking the necessary measures to strengthen the relationship with the patient seems necessary. This study was conducted to determine the effect of spiritual intelligence training on nurses' skills for communicating with patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This experimental study with the control group and the pretest-posttest design was conducted on 70 nurses working in Imam Khomeini Hospital, Mahabad, in 2019. Randomized stratified sampling was used to recruit participants. Then, participants were randomly assigned to the two groups of control and intervention. The demographic information form and the patient-nurse communication skill questionnaire were used to collect the data. For the intervention group, 7 spiritual intelligence training sessions were held as a workshop in 2 months. Two weeks and a month after the intervention, both groups completed the questionnaires. Data were analyzed with the SPSS software version 17.0.

RESULTS

The findings showed that the mean communication skill scores in the intervention group before training were 44.71 ± 7.62, which significantly increased to 66.22 ± 8.43 2 weeks after training. Bonferroni multiple comparisons showed the mean communication skill scores significantly increased before, 2 weeks later and in the follow-up phase in the intervention group (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Spiritual intelligence training is effective in improving the communication skills of nurses. It is recommended that the prepared content can be provided to in-service training units; consequently, nurses can improve their communication skills by individual and group learning.

The Impact of Working Environment on Nurses' Caring Behavior in Sabah, Malaysia

Aims

This study aims to investigate 5 types of work environment influencing nurses' caring behavior, namely (i) participation in hospital affairs, (ii) foundations for quality of care, (iii) manager ability, leadership, and support of nurses, (iv) staffing and resource adequacy, and (v) nurse-physician relations.

Design

This research is a cross-sectional study using the survey method.

Methods

Data were collected from 3,532 nurses working in public hospitals and health clinics within Sabah, Malaysia in 2015. The hypothesized model was evaluated using partial least squares method.

Results

The findings reveal that all forms of work environment have a positive effect on nurses' caring behavior except for staffing and resource adequacy which shows a negative effect on caring behavior.

Conclusion

Overall, this study has added to theoretical contributions in the academic and research fields as well as in practical implications in the field of nursing practice by addressing the influence of work environments on caring behavior.

Implications for Nursing Management

The present research has provided convergent evidence on the role of the working environment in influencing the behavior of nurses working in hospitals and health clinics in Sabah, Malaysia.

The impact of an emotion-focused training program on nursing students' emotional awareness and expression: A randomized placebo-controlled study

PURPOSE

This study explores the effects of an emotion-focused training program (EFTP) and an interactive activity (placebo) on nursing students' skills in recognizing and expressing emotions.

DESIGN AND METHODS

The research was conducted as a randomized, placebo and control group, and experimental study with repeated measurements. One hundred and twenty nursing students were randomly assigned to the groups. The EFTP was carried out for 10 sessions in the study group.

FINDINGS

The emotional awareness and emotion expression scores of the students in the training group were significantly higher than those of the students in the placebo and control groups (p < 0.05).

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

The EFTP can be used in the nursing undergraduate curriculum to promote emotional awareness and improve skills of emotional expression.

Work Environment Characteristics and Emotional Intelligence as Correlates of Nurses' Compassion Satisfaction and Compassion Fatigue: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study

This cross-sectional survey study examined the relationship between Canadian nurses' work environment characteristics, emotional intelligence, compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction (n = 1271). Psychological demands, decision latitude, supervisor and coworker support, and emotional intelligence (EI) were significantly correlated with nurses' compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue, except for two EI subscales. Furthermore, these relationships were stronger for compassion satisfaction than compassion fatigue, suggesting that they are influenced by different factors. Our results highlight the importance of creating reasonable psychological demands, empowering nurses to make decisions in their jobs, supportive relationships at work, and fostering the development of nurses' EI.

Perceived professional competence in spiritual care and predictive role of spiritual intelligence in Iranian nursing students

AIM/OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify the relationship between perceived competence in spiritual care and spiritual intelligence among nursing students.

BACKGROUND

One of the most important duties of nurses is to pay attention to the spiritual needs of patients and provide them with proper spiritual care. Therefore, professional competence in this area is essential for nurses and nursing students. Also, spiritual intelligence is a factor influencing the caring behaviors of nurses.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional and correlational study SETTINGS/PARTICIPANTS: This study was included 510 undergraduate nursing students in two public faculties of nursing in Iran in the 2018-2019 academic year.

METHODS

The samples were selected using a census method. A demographic information questionnaire, the valid and reliable Iranian questionnaire of nurses' competencies in spiritual care and the spiritual intelligence self-report inventory (SISRI) were used to collect data.

RESULTS

A significant positive correlation was found between nursing students' competence in spiritual care and spiritual intelligence (p < 0.001, r = 0.26). No significant differences were found between the mean competence scores of spiritual care in terms of demographic characteristics. There were significant differences between the mean spiritual intelligence score in terms of age, marital status, history of clinical practice and academic year. The regression model indicated that for increased rates of spiritual intelligence, professional competence in spiritual care would rise as much as 0.39.

CONCLUSION

Spiritual intelligence can affect the competence of nursing students in providing spiritual care to patients. Therefore, to promote students' spiritual intelligence, appropriate plans with the aim of promoting the level of critical thinking and spiritual self-awareness are recommended.

Relationship between communication skills and emotional intelligence among nurses

AIM

Nurses' emotional intelligence (EI) affects many of their behavioural skills. Given the importance of communication skills, the aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between EI and the communication skills of emergency department nurses.

METHOD

253 nurses working in five hospitals affiliated to Ardabil University of Medical Sciences took part in this cross-sectional analytical study. Participants completed Goleman's EI Scale and a researcher-designed communication skills questionnaire. Validity and reliability of the tools were measured throughout the study. Data analysis was carried out using analysis of variance, Pearson correlation and Spearman correlation tests in SPSS v18.

FINDINGS

The mean EI score was estimated to be 78.31 with the highest and lowest scores related to self-awareness (20.83) and self-management (18.19) dimensions respectively. The mean total score of communication skills was estimated to be 70.91. There was a significant relationship between total EI score and total communication skills score ( r =0.775, P <0.01) and a strong significant relationship between the four dimensions of EI and the total score of communication skills.

CONCLUSION

Since EI and its dimensions have a positive effect on nurses' communication skills hospital managers can enhance EI by organising training sessions and promoting communication skills and provide the ground for continuous improvement of hospital services.

The impact of emotional intelligence in health care professionals on caring behaviour towards patients in clinical and long-term care settings: Findings from an integrative review

BACKGROUND

Over recent years there has been criticism within the United Kingdom's health service regarding a lack of care and compassion, resulting in adverse outcomes for patients. The impact of emotional intelligence in staff on patient health care outcomes has been recently highlighted. Many recruiters now assess emotional intelligence as part of their selection process for health care staff. However, it has been argued that the importance of emotional intelligence in health care has been overestimated.

OBJECTIVES

To explore relationships between emotional intelligence in health care professionals, and caring behaviour. To further explore any additional factors related to emotional intelligence that may impact upon caring behaviour.

DESIGN

An integrative review design was used.

DATA SOURCES

Psychinfo, Medline, CINAHL Plus, Social Sciences Citation Index, Science Citation Index, and Scopus were searched for studies from 1995 to April 2017.

REVIEW METHODS

Studies providing quantitative or qualitative exploration of how any healthcare professionals' emotional intelligence is linked to caring in healthcare settings were selected.

RESULTS

Twenty two studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Three main types of health care professional were identified: nurses, nurse leaders, and physicians. Results indicated that the emotional intelligence of nurses was related to both physical and emotional caring, but emotional intelligence may be less relevant for nurse leaders and physicians. Age, experience, burnout, and job satisfaction may also be relevant factors for both caring and emotional intelligence.

CONCLUSIONS

This review provides evidence that developing emotional intelligence in nurses may positively impact upon certain caring behaviours, and that there may be differences within groups that warrant further investigation. Understanding more about which aspects of emotional intelligence are most relevant for intervention is important, and directions for further large scale research have been identified.

Spiritual Experiences of Muslim Critical Care Nurses

The purpose of this study was to determine the experiences and perceptions of intensive care nurses (ICNs) about spirituality and spiritual care, as well as the effective factors, and increase the sensitivity to the subject. In this study, we examined spiritual experiences, using McSherry et al. (Int J Nurs Stud 39:723-734, 2002) Spirituality and spiritual care rating scale (SSCRS), among 145 ICNs. 44.8% of the nurses stated that they received spiritual care training and 64.1% provided spiritual care to their patients. ICNs had a total score average of 57.62 ± 12.00 in SSCRS. As a consequence, it was determined that intensive care nurses participating in the study had insufficient knowledge about spirituality and spiritual care, but only the nurses with sufficient knowledge provided the spiritual care to their patients.