Purpose: This study aimed to investigate associations of therapeutic communication competency with gerontological

nursing knowledge and attitudes toward ageism among outpatient nurses in general hospitals. Methods: A

cross-sectional survey of 137 outpatient nurses was conducted from March 29 to April 11, 2024. Participants were

recruited via an online flyer posted in a nationwide nursing community. Data were collected using three validated

instruments: Knowledge of Older Patients Quiz, Fraboni Scale of Ageism, and Nursing Assessment of Communication

Competency Scale. Descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA with Scheffé post hoc tests, and

multiple linear regression analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 29.0. Results: Significant

differences in therapeutic communication competency were identified based on marital status (p=.007), engagement

in overtime work (p=.006), and longer clinical experience than 10 years (p=.010). Lower levels of ageism were

significantly associated with higher competency of therapeutic communication (β=-0.27, p=.001), while gerontological

nursing knowledge was not. Conclusion: Continuous training of anti-ageism attitude may enhance therapeutic

communication competency of outpatient nurses with older adults. Leveraging experienced nurses and improving

work conditions also support effective communication in outpatient settings.

https://doi.org/10.12934/jkpmhn.2025.34.2.164