Efectividad de la comunicación enfermera-paciente en el abordaje de las necesidades psicológicas en el paciente oncológico adulto

Effective communication between cancer patients and nursing staff is fundamental to ensuring humanized, high-quality care. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of this communication in relation to the psychological needs of adult cancer patients, identify their main needs, determine the nursing interventions performed, and describe the barriers and strategies for improvement in this area. To this end, a literature review was conducted by searching the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases between February and March 2016, yielding a total of 2,249 articles. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 17 articles were ultimately selected. The results show that cancer patients have evolving needs depending on the stage of their disease, initially physical and subsequently emotional and psychological. To address these needs, nurses establish a therapeutic relationship based on empathy, active listening, the use of clear language, and verbal and nonverbal behaviors adapted to each patient's context. Furthermore, remote interventions to provide emotional support, such as phone calls, are highlighted. These address patient distress through humor, validation, and expressions of support. However, challenges hinder effective communication, including organizational factors such as resource scarcity; factors related to the nurses themselves, such as a lack of specific training; and patient-related factors, such as the absence of social support for single patients or those without caregivers. Finally, among the potential strategies to improve communication, the implementation of educational programs to strengthen active listening and empower nurses, as well as the integration of emotional aspects, are particularly noteworthy.