KOMBINASI VALIDATION, EMOTION, REASSURANCE, ACTIVITY (VERA) DAN PSYCHOLOGICAL FIRST AID (PFA) DALAM KOMUNIKASI EFEKTIF PASIEN DENGAN GANGGUAN KOGNITIF: INOVASI GANDA DALAM PELAYANAN GERIATRI

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Communication with geriatric patients experiencing cognitive impairment often causes frustration for nurses during care delivery. This community service activity aims to improve geriatric patient care quality through training and simulation of combined communication techniques: Validation, Emotion, Reassurance, Activity (VERA) and Psychological First Aid (PFA). The activity was conducted at Hermina Bekasi and Jatinegara Hospitals involving inpatient ward nurses. Methods included Focus Group Discussion, training using a modified effective communication guideline, practice simulation, and pre-post test evaluation. Results showed significant improvement in participants' communication understanding and skills in the intervention group. The intervention group showed a higher score increase (50,57%) compared to the control group (12,31%). The Wilcoxon test indicated significant changes in both the intervention group (Z = -3.72; p < 0.05; CI 95%) and the control group (Z = -3.40; p < 0.05; CI 95%). The Mann-Whitney test confirmed a significant difference between groups (U = 885.0; p < 0.05; CI 95%), demonstrating that the VERA-PFA intervention produced stronger effects compared to natural changes in the control group. VERA-based communication training integrated with PFA principles is effective in enhancing nurses’ communication skills and reinforcing psychosocial support for geriatric patients with cognitive impairment. These findings support the integration of VERA-PFA training into nursing education curricula and its routine implementation in hospitals to strengthen care quality and patient satisfaction.