Assessing Awareness and Knowledge of Therapeutic Communication Skills Among Nursing Students in Swat, Pakistan

Objective A key element of high-quality healthcare is effective therapeutic communication between nurses and patients, which improves patient happiness, comprehension, and recovery results. The purpose of this study was to assess nursing students’ awareness and understanding of therapeutic communication at a private nursing school in Swat, Pakistan. Methodology A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted over six months, from June to December 2023. A total of 100 nursing students (35 from the third year and 65 from the fourth year) were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire comprising 20 multiple choice questions assessing verbal and non-verbal communication skills, empathy, active listening, and patient centered care. Awareness levels were categorized as good (15–20 points), moderate (10–14 points), and poor (<10 points). Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, were calculated using SPSS Version 23.0. Result Among the participants, 70% were male, and 30% were female. The overall mean awareness score was 16.3 ± 3.2, indicating good awareness. Of the students, 80% demonstrated good awareness, while 20% exhibited poor awareness. Fourth-year students had slightly higher mean scores than third-year students, reflecting an improvement in academic progression. No statistically significant gender-based differences in awareness were observed. Conclusion While most nursing students exhibited good awareness of therapeutic communication, a notable proportion displayed knowledge gaps. The findings emphasize the need for targeted communication training and curricular modifications in nursing programs to enhance therapeutic communication skills and improve patient care outcomes.