Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.24141/1/12/2/2
The Impact of Nurses’ Social Intelligence on the Provision of Palliative Care in the Home
Ivana Martinec
orcid.org/0009-0002-9335-9161
; Palliative Care Service, Varazdin County Health Center, Croatia
*
Nataša Dumbović
; Palliative Care Service, Varazdin County Health Center, Croatia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Introduction: Palliative care at home is a complex form
of healthcare aimed at preserving the quality of life of
patients with incurable diseases. In addition to symptom
control, special emphasis is placed on preserving
human dignity, quality communication, and psychosocial
support. Developing awareness of the existence
and management of emotions and social skills is one of
the key characteristics of medical staff, and contributes
to improving the quality of medical care.
Aim and purpose of the paper: The aim of this review
paper is to demonstrate the importance of the social intelligence
of nurses in providing palliative care at home,
with special emphasis on communication skills, social
intelligence, compassion, and emotional sensitivity, as
well as the preservation of the dignity of patients while
understanding the unique needs of each family.
Methodology: The paper was prepared as a systematic
review of the literature available in scientific and professional
databases, relevant books, and manuals. The
sources were analyzed with special emphasis on social
and emotional intelligence, communication in palliative
care, compassion, and care planning.
Results and discussion: The analysis of the literature
shows that a high level of social intelligence among nurses has a positive effect on the quality of palliative
care provision in the home. Active listening, empathy,
compassion, and developed communication skills contribute
to preserving the dignity of patients, reducing
psychological stress, and strengthening relationships
with families based on partnership. The importance of
lifelong learning and the development of social competencies
is emphasized, especially in the context of modern
technological changes and the application of artificial
intelligence in healthcare, which cannot replace the
interpersonal and social skills of nurses.
Conclusion: Social intelligence is one of the key competencies
of nurses in providing palliative care at home.
Systematic investment in the development of communication
and social skills contributes to more humane, dignified,
and high-quality care for patients and their families,
and opens up space for further research in this area.
Keywords
social intelligence; nurse; palliative care; communication
Hrčak ID:
346602
URI
Publication date:
28.4.2026.
Visits: 64 *