Authors: (including presenting author): :
Tse KY(1), Luen KW(1), Sze-to TL(1), Chan CSS(1), Au W(1), Ho YKE(1), Kam MY(1)
Affiliation: :
(1)Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Ruttonjee & Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals
Keyword 1: :
Communication training
Keyword 2: :
New graduate nurses
Keyword 3: :
Interpersonal skills
Keyword 4: :
Enquiry handling
Keyword 5: :
Staff confidence
Keyword 6: :
Gen Z engagement
Introduction: :
New graduate nurses from Generation Z join a dynamic hospital environment where effective “Talk” – open and empathetic communication – is essential for patient safety, team collaboration, and personal well-being. Traditional clinical settings can present challenges in face-to-face interactions with patients, relatives, and multidisciplinary teams. To aid seamless integration, cultivate strong “Team” bonds among peers and colleagues, and ultimately achieve “Triumph” in confident clinical communication, an interactive workshop was developed within the RTSKH 5-Day Preceptee Enhancement Training Program. This initiative promotes practical, engaging learning tailored to Gen Z preferences.
Objectives: :
1. To enhance participants' understanding of key elements of interpersonal communication skills, attitudes, and barriers.
2. To improve skills in handling enquiries from patients and relatives.
3. To boost confidence in communicating with patients, relatives, and colleagues in clinical settings.
Methodology: :
The workshop was conducted in 2024 (n=31) and 2025 (n=53), targeting new graduate nurses across different departments of the hospital, and facilitated by seven members of the M&G Clinical Training Team. A pre-test survey identified perceived communication challenges (e.g., with relatives, patients, doctors). The 2-hour session incorporated “Talk” through theoretical discussions, sample dialogues, and role plays; “Team” via an ice-breaking game for interdepartmental peer networking, group discussions with self-elected leaders, live example sharing, and class return demonstrations; and “Triumph” with practical modules offering useful tips and structured steps (listen, empathize, clarify, respond) for enquiries, plus Mentimeter for real-time engagement. Interactive Gen Z-friendly approaches empowered active participation. Participants were observed to be highly engaged, laughing heartily, exerting full effort, and demonstrating notable creativity throughout. Effectiveness was evaluated through an 11-item post-workshop Likert-scale questionnaire completed by participants and a separate 6-item questionnaire (5 graded Likert + 1 yes/no) distributed to Ward Managers.
Result & Outcome: :
Participant evaluations (total n=84 across 2024–2025) demonstrated strong achievement of objectives: 84–86% agreed the workshop enhanced understanding of communication barriers, key elements, attitudes, interpersonal skills, and enquiry handling steps; 84% reported improved communication skills with 82% greater confidence; and 86% found the skills practical for workplace use. Satisfaction reached 84% overall, with particularly strong ratings for facilitators (88%), duration (93%), and venue (89%). Ward manager feedback (n=15) showed 87–93% positive responses on observable empathy/active listening, structured enquiry handling, and confidence; 93% attributed contribution to the workshop, with 100% support for continuation. High session engagement and qualitative praise for role plays further reinforced the outcomes. Through fostering open “Talk” and supportive “Team” dynamics, the workshop empowers Gen Z nurses to achieve “Triumph” in clinical communication, enhancing patient safety and well-being. Annual continuation and incorporation of suggested topics are recommended for sustained impact.
