Document Type
Thesis - Open Access
Award Date
2025
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department / School
School of Communication and Journalism
First Advisor
Jennifer Anderson
Abstract
Effective communication between nurses and physicians is critical for patient safety, yet these interactions often occur within hierarchical structures that can hinder open dialogue and collaboration. This study explores nurse-physician communication through the lens of Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT), specifically focusing on how nurses accommodate their communication using the framework’s strategies. Drawing on qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with registered nurses, this study identifies key themes including convergence, organizational silence, and maintenance as strategies that nurses engage in. The findings of this study reveal that accommodation choices are not solely motivated by intrinsic goals but can be motivated by external influences such as the context of the interaction and a predetermined motivation.
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Recommended Citation
Stauffacher, Tristan, "White Coats and Scrubs: Bridging the Gaps in Accommodation" (2025). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1551.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd2/1551
Rights Statement
