Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication of Nurses in Facing Stroke Patients' Grieving Process

Abstract

Background: Known as a "silent killer," stroke is a non-communicable disease that affected over 5.1 million people globally in 2020. Due to the loss of bodily functions in stroke patients, this disease may cause problems with the grieving process. Nurses, as an essential component of the nursing process must communicate effectively both verbally and nonverbally to help patients accept their illness and accelerate the grieving process. Aim: This study aims to describe effective communication of nurses (verbal and non-verbal) in facing grieving process in stroke patients. This descriptive-analytic study uses approach and was conducted in October 2025, with a population of 2,541 individuals. The sampling method used was accidental sampling, with a sample size of 112 respondents. Data were collected using questionnaires of Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication of nurses which has a validity test of 0.361 and a reliability test of 0.827 and the data were analyzed through univariate analysis. Result: The results showed that most nurses (52,7%) demonstrated inadequate communication, both verbally and nonverbally. In conclusion, effective verbal and non-verbal nurse communication is important to stroke patients passing the grieving process. It is advised that nurses, especially those working in the hospital's neurology outpatient unit, regularly use both verbal and nonverbal cues, like courteous facial expressions and professional touches, to foster trust and assist stroke patients in transitioning from grief to acceptance.

Keywords: Grieving Process, Nurses, Stroke, Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication