Effect of implementing the TAGEET communication model on communication competency among pediatric oncology nurses: a quasi-experimental study

Effective therapeutic communication is critical in pediatric oncology, where nurses must provide accurate and compassionate information to children with cancer and their families. However, communication remains complex and is often hindered by clinical, organizational, and training-related barriers. Structured communication models such as TAGEET (Tune-in, Approach and introduce, Ground self, Engage and respond, End encounter, Tune-out) may enhance nurses’ competencies and strengthen family-centered care. To evaluate the effect of implementing the TAGEET communication model on pediatric oncology nurses’ communication competency in practicing effective therapeutic communication with children diagnosed with cancer and their parents. A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest interrupted time-series design was conducted in two pediatric oncology hospitals in the West Bank, Palestine. All eligible pediatric oncology nurses (n = 39) were recruited using a census approach. Participants received a structured communication skills training program based on the six-step TAGEET communication model, delivered over three weeks (three sessions; total 6 h). Data were collected at baseline (T0), immediately post-intervention (T1), and two months post-intervention (T2). Communication competency was assessed using the validated Arabic version of the Communication Assessment Tool (CAT-15). Repeated measures ANOVA was used to examine changes in communication scores across time points, with statistical significance set at p < .05. Thirty-nine pediatric oncology nurses participated (100% response rate). Baseline communication competency was moderate (3.84 ± 0.46) and improved significantly immediately after the intervention (4.53 ± 0.31) and at two-month follow-up (4.62 ± 0.26). Repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant time effect (p < .001, partial η² = 0.782). Pairwise comparisons confirmed significant improvements across all time points (p < .001), with large effect sizes (d = 1.78–2.03), indicating sustained gains following the TAGEET intervention. The TAGEET communication model was associated with improved communication competency among pediatric oncology nurses, particularly in areas related to information exchange, engagement, and shared decision-making. While these findings support the potential value of structured communication training, further research incorporating patient- and parent-reported outcomes and objective measures is needed to determine its impact on patient experience and quality of care.