An Application Assessment and Compliance of Nursing Personnel Towards Use of AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation and Thank you) as a Communication Tool for Patient Care: A Quality Improvement Project

Abstract

Introduction: Effective communication is fundamental in nursing practice, affecting patient satisfaction, anxiety levels, and clinical outcomes. The AIDET framework—Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, and Thank You—acts as a communication tool aimed at standardizing interactions between healthcare providers and patients. This quality improvement project evaluated the compliance and utilization of AIDET by nursing personnel in a tertiary hospital environment.

Methods: Implemented from May to July 2024 at the Lung Center of the Philippines, the project involved nursing personnel across inpatient and critical care units. The FOCUS framework and PDSA cycle guided the initiative, employing tools such as AIDET guide cards and direct observation assessments. Data were collected using validated competency checklists and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results: The results indicated that more than 50% of nursing staff consistently recognized and implemented the AIDET framework during their interactions. Although the overall performance was commendable, certain aspects, including self-introduction and comprehensive explanations of procedures, necessitated further enhancement. It is noteworthy that the outstanding performance in AIDET application experienced a slight decrease over the months, while satisfactory performance showed a consistent rise. Direct observation was identified as the most dependable assessment method. Furthermore, enhancements were noted in nonverbal communication skills, including tone, eye contact, and active listening.

Discussion: The initiative illustrated strong participation from nursing staff in implementing the AIDET framework. Despite the fact that full compliance was not maintained throughout the monitoring period, the use of AIDET guide cards and continuous training significantly improved the quality of communication. Continuous orientation for new staff and regular evaluations are necessary to preserve high standards of patient-centered communication.