Communication Dynamics Between Professional Nursing Organisations and Their Stakeholders: A Scoping Review

ABSTRACT

Background

Communicating a clear, authentic and socially coherent image among nurses and their associations is essential because it helps shape an accurate perception of their role in society. Thus, although each nurse plays a crucial role individually, real transformation in the public perception of the profession requires coordinated and strategic actions by the organisations representing them.

Objective

This study explored existing knowledge on how nursing colleges, professional associations and unions communicate with their stakeholders.

Methods

A scoping review was performed following the methodological framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley and the Joanna Briggs Institute. Eight electronic databases were searched, including CINAHL, Cochrane, Dialnet, Scopus, Scielo, PsycINFO, PubMed and Web of Science for both peer-reviewed articles and grey literature (e.g., reports, policy documents), using both MeSH terms and keywords. Data were collected using the Covidence platform, and articles published in English, Spanish, Portuguese and Italian were included. No limitations were applied regarding the publication year of the articles. They were then independently analysed based on their titles, abstracts and full text according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Conflicts were resolved via discussions with a third reviewer.

Results

In total, 2033 articles were analysed from databases, of which 47 met the inclusion criteria. Eighteen studies used a structured methodology, while 29 were categorised as grey literature. The findings were organised into five key themes: (1) what organisations communicate (e.g., labour conditions, political content, health information); (2) with whom they communicate (e.g., nurses, journalists, political actors, the public); (3) for what purpose (e.g., advocacy, education, recruitment); (4) through what media (e.g., social media, websites, professional journals) and (5) how communication is evaluated (limited but promising insights on effectiveness).

Conclusions

This review provides the first diagnosis of communication management in professional nursing organisations. The lack of communication structures, trained professionals and effective strategies limits the effectiveness of communication among the entities. Studies are necessary to diagnose these shortcomings and design plans to improve the visibility and impact of their messages, positioning nurses as qualified and respected professionals.

Registration

A review protocol was developed and registered in the Open Science Framework platform.

No Patient or Public Contribution

Because the research is a scoping review.

Marco conceptual asociado a la identidad e imagen profesional de enfermería en Chile

Introducción: La identidad e imagen de las enfermeras son conceptos interrelacionados que reflejan el sentido de uno mismo y las percepciones sociales sobre la profesión. Ambos son esenciales para el desarrollo de una práctica confiada y respetada. Objetivo: Develar el marco conceptual asociado a la imagen e identidad profesional de enfermería desde la perspectiva de enfermeras jubiladas. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio cualitativo basado en el paradigma constructivista y Teoría Fundamentada según Morse, que explora la identidad e imagen profesional de enfermería en Chile mediante entrevistas y grupos focales con enfermeras jubiladas. Para el análisis de los datos, se siguió la metodología propuesta por Charmaz. Sobre el rigor ético del estudio, se contó con la evaluación y aprobación de un Comité de Ética Científica independiente. Resultados: Participaron de este estudio 20 enfermeras jubiladas con una edad promedio de 74 años. Se establecieron 4 categorías que construyen la imagen social de las enfermeras y 3 categorías que construyen su identidad profesional. Discusión: Este estudio explora la imagen e identidad profesional de las enfermeras jubiladas, destacando cómo la pandemia mejoró la percepción pública de la profesión, de acuerdo con estudios internacionales. Han disminuido estereotipos como la feminización de la enfermería y su subordinación a la medicina, ampliamente descritos en la literatura. Las participantes se ven como líderes naturales, pero señalan deshumanización debido al agotamiento, tareas administrativas y los avances tecnológicos. Conclusiones: Resaltar una imagen auténtica y una identidad profesional coherente de la profesión fortalece su valor, estatus y reconocimiento social, lo que, a su vez, impacta positivamente en la calidad de los cuidados prestados a los pacientes.