Assessing the Level of Communication and Patient Safety among Nurses in Selected Hospitals in Quezon City

This study assessed the level of communication efficiency in nurse-to-nurse handovers and its relationship with the demographic profile and workload-related factors among nurses in the surgical ward of a selected hospital. A quantitative descriptive–correlational research design was employed, involving 27 registered nurses selected through a total sampling approach. Data were collected using a validated, researcher-made questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, communication efficiency, and workload factors such as nurse–patient ratio and shift transitions. Statistical tools, including frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test, and ANOVA, were used for analysis. Findings revealed that communication efficiency was generally good (M = 4.22), indicating that nurses effectively exchange patient information during handovers. However, workload-related factors, particularly high nurse–patient ratios and demanding shift transitions, were found to significantly influence communication quality and patient safety (M = 3.96 and M = 4.01, respectively). Furthermore, no significant relationship was found between communication efficiency and demographic variables, including age, sex, and years of experience (p > 0.05). The study concludes that communication effectiveness is more influenced by organizational and workload factors rather than individual characteristics. An action plan focusing on structured communication, workload management, and staffing improvement was recommended.