Date of Doctor of Nursing Practice Project Completion
Spring 5-5-2025
Faculty Advisor
Abela, Karla M
Abstract
Purpose
To improve patients’ perceptions of nurses by listening to their needs, helping nurses to engage with their patients therapeutically in the OBGYN/Postpartum/Mother-Baby unit. Aiming to increase patient satisfaction scores from 62.5% to 70% by December 2024 using the "Commit to Sit" method.
Background
The project was implemented in an OBGYN/Postpartum/Mother-Baby Unit, addressing the concerns of the patient’s perception of nurses not listening and addressing their needs which has contributed to a decline in patient satisfaction scores.
Methodology
The Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model was used. Nurses were trained to sit at eye level with patients for 3–5 minutes per shift. Data was collected via patient satisfaction surveys (134 respondents) and nurse participation logs.
Results
Patient satisfaction reached 92.5% overall, but fluctuated monthly (65% to 21%), tied to changes in nurse participation. Engagement stayed at 69.0%, below target, due to systemic barriers.
Implications
The "Commit to Sit" method requires organizational support, tracking into electronic health records. Piloting during stable staffing periods.
Keywords
Therapeutic communication, “nurse-patient interaction, ” “commit to sit, ” and “Peplau’s theory, ” “nursing shortage, ” and “patient satisfaction.”
Recommended Citation
SHODUNKE, SIMISOLA A., "Improving Therapeutic Communication Between Patients and Nurses Using the Commit to Sit Method in The Obgyn/Postpartum/Mother-Baby Unit" (2025). Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract. 46.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/dnp_abstract/46