Assessment of the Communication Strategies in Intermediate Hospital Oshakati

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the type of communication strategies, mostly used at the Intermediate Hospital, Oshakati (IHO), the platforms that are available to discuss communicated information, and the challenges faced in the communication strategies at IHO. A quantitative, exploratory, and descriptive aspect was conducted during May 2014. The target population included all Registered Nurses in IHO. The data collection method employed was a survey using a self-administered questionnaire. One hundred and fifty two (152) questionnaires were distributed. A response of 63% was obtained. Data analysis was done using SPSS and Microsoft Excel software was used to draw tables. The findings were that communication process is well maintained since information is simplified in a more user-friendly language for registered nurses to understand the information properly. The information flow to all levels is well developed. In addition, enough time is granted to staff to ask questions on shared information and this makes the information to be well understood. The study further found that circulars and reports are the most popular strategies used to share information in IHO. However, emails and website communication strategies were least used at IHO. It further revealed that registered nurses understand the information easily when they are presented in the form of circulars and reports. The majority of the registered nurses indicated that there are guidelines for information sharing in IHO. The findings further indicated that the seminars and monthly meetings are the most popular forums attended. Video conferencing is not used at all. Some challenges faced by the registered nurses include circulars that come from head office late, messages that do not reach the targeted audience and the language barriers. The study made some recommendations on how to improve communication at IHO.