Why good communication skills are important for theatre nurses.

Excellent communication skills, both verbal and nonverbal, are needed throughout the perioperative experience to educate patients undergoing surgery and so ease their anxiety. In addition, good communication with theatre colleagues, the multidisciplinary team, and other departments is vital to achieve technical excellence and individualised, holistic patient care. This article discusses the importance of effective communication and describes how it can be improved in the perioperative setting.