A new therapeutic communication model "TAGEET" to help nurses engage therapeutically with patients suspected of or confirmed with COVID-19

Abstract

Aim: To design and present a new communication model "TAGEET" to help nurses engage therapeutically with patients suspected of or confirmed with COVID-19.

Background: COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease that brings with it fear and anxiety for all involved inclusive of nurses and patients. New guidelines for nurses to follow such as attention to physical distance coupled with the wearing of defined personal protective equipment, gloves, long-sleeved disposable gown, FFP2 face mask and eye protection place additional strain on nurses to engage therapeutically with patients. Evidence suggests that the wearing of face masks and personal protective equipment acts as barriers to effective therapeutic engagement with patients. We found an absence of communication models to help nurses engage therapeutically with patients.

Design: This is a position paper that draws on previous research to inform the design of a new model for nurses to engage therapeutically with patients suspected of or confirmed with COVID-19.

Method: We reviewed the literature on caring for patients in isolation, the barriers to therapeutic communication and the psychological impact of infectious diseases on nurses and patients.

Conclusion: Remaining emotionally present to self, whilst being present to others can be challenging for nurses in a pandemic environment. We believe that the "TAGEET" model (T-Tune-in, A-Approach and introduce, G-Ground self, E-Engage and respond, E-End encounter, T-Tune-out), although devised for nurses to engage therapeutically with patients suspected of or confirmed with COVID-19 could be used by all healthcare professionals in any challenging clinical environment.

Relevance to clinical practice: This new therapeutic communication model will provide support for nurses with how to manage self in the context of caring for others in a COVID-19 environment.

Keywords: COVID-19; communication model; communication skills; emotional regulation; interpersonal; nurses; pandemic; therapeutic engagement.