Is modified brief assertiveness training for nurses effective? A single-group study with long-term follow-up.

Aim: To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of modified brief assertiveness training (with cognitive techniques) for nurses.
Background: Most assertiveness training takes a long time to conduct; thus, briefer training is required for universal on-the-job training in the workplace.
Methods: In this single-group study, nurses received two 90-min training sessions with a 1-month interval between sessions. The degree of assertiveness was assessed by using the Rathus Assertiveness Schedule as the primary outcome, at four time points: pre- and post-training, 3-month follow-up and 6-month follow-up.
Results: A total of 33 nurses received the training, and the mean Rathus Assertiveness Schedule score improved from -14.2 (SD = 16.5) pre-training to -10.5 (SD = 18.0) post-training (p < .05). These improvements were maintained until the 6-month follow-up. The pre-post effect size of 0.22 (indicating small effect) was larger than the effect sizes ranging from -0.56 to 0.17 (no effect) reported in previous studies that used brief training.
Conclusions: Modified brief assertiveness training seems feasible and may achieve long-term favourable outcomes in improving assertiveness among nurses.
Implications for Nursing Management: The ease of implementation of assertiveness training is important because creating an open environment for communication leads to improved job satisfaction, improved nursing care and increased patient safety.
(© 2017 The Authors. Journal of Nursing Management Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)