RNOtherThe journal of nursing research : JNR2026

Effectiveness of a Web-Based Communication Education Program in Improving Knowledge and Self-Efficacy in Family Caregivers of Nursing Home Residents: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Ching-Hui Hsiao, Yu-Ting Chen, Wann-Yun Shieh and 1 others

PMID 42127329

WHAT IT FOUND

Family caregivers of nursing home residents who completed a 4-week web-based communication course reported significantly better knowledge and self-efficacy than those receiving routine care.

The program improved caregivers' confidence but did not test whether residents' actual communication experiences improved.

Key findings

01Caregivers in the intervention group had significantly higher communication knowledge scores at both 1 and 2 months compared to the control group.

02Caregivers in the intervention group also reported significantly higher communication self-efficacy at 1 and 2 months compared to controls.

03The study did not measure outcomes for the nursing home residents, such as anxiety, stress, or social isolation.

STILL TO COME

How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs

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What it does not show

The study was nonrandomized, with groups assigned by facility, which increases the risk of bias. Participants were not blinded to the intervention, and outcome measures were self-reported. The study did not measure any outcomes for the nursing home residents themselves, such as anxiety, stress, or social isolation. There was no opportunity for participants to practice communication skills during the intervention, limiting assessment of skill transfer. Baseline self-efficacy scores were high, suggesting a potential ceiling effect that might limit observed gains.

Declared interests

The study was funded by Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and the Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan. No specific conflicts of interest were declared by the authors.

The easy way to misread this

Do not assume this program improves resident care or well-being. The study only measured caregivers' self-reported knowledge and confidence, not any outcomes for the nursing home residents.

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