Relationship between Cultural Intelligence with Communication Skills and Social Interactions of Emergency Department Staff: A Cross-Sectional Study

Document Type : Case Study

Author

Student Research Committee, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran

Abstract
Objectives: Globalization has led to increasingly diverse patient populations in healthcare settings. Emergency departments (EDs), as high-pressure, fast-paced environments, require staff to possess strong communication and social interaction skills to ensure quality care. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between cultural intelligence (CQ) and the communication skills and social interactions of ED staff members.

Methods: This cross-sectional study conducted on 197 ED staff members from three hospitals in Zanjan, Iran, in 2019. Data collected using the Cultural Intelligence Scale (CQS), a Communication Skills Scale, and a Social Interactions Questionnaire. Data analysis performed using descriptive statistics and correlation tests.

Results: Participants' mean scores for cultural intelligence and communication skills were 85.78 ± 6.24 (out of 140) and 55.41 ± 3.9 (out of 90), respectively. For social interactions, the mean score for positive thoughts (47.86 ± 4.14) was higher than for negative thoughts (33.01 ± 3.92). The total CQ score showed a significant positive correlation with communication skills (P < 0.001). Furthermore, higher CQ scores were significantly associated with increased positive thoughts and decreased negative thoughts (P < 0.001).

Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that higher cultural intelligence among ED staff is associated with better communication skills and positive social interactions. Healthcare leaders recommended to educational programs and workshops to enhance the cultural intelligence of ED personnel, which can improve both staff communication and the quality of patient care.

Graphical Abstract

Relationship between Cultural Intelligence with Communication Skills and Social Interactions of Emergency Department Staff: A Cross-Sectional Study

Keywords

Subjects

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