Interpersonal skills training in nurse education: some theoretical and curricular considerations.

Interpersonal skills training continues to be an important, but ill-defined aspect of nurse education. The author explores some theoretical and curricular issues that need to be considered when designing interpersonal skills training. He argues that Beattie's fourfold curriculum can be used to integrate the often opposing theoretical and educational frameworks used. The need for concept clarification and development to underpin this training is highlighted, within the context of the complex political and organisational factors that influence its process and outcome.