A conjoint analysis of the communication preferences of registered nurses towards mechanically ventilated patients

Abstract

Background The nurse‐patient communication is a dyadic process involving the transmission and recognition of information and feelings. However, communication difficulty is a common phenomenon among mechanically ventilated patients which causes distress among patients and may compromise the quality of patient care that nurses provide. Aim To explicate the communication preferences of registered nurses towards mechanically ventilated patients. Design Cross‐sectional, choice‐based conjoint analysis Methods From August to November 2017, 201 purposively selected registered nurses with prior experience in caring for mechanically ventilated patients were surveyed and ranked 12 choice bundles with four selected attributes of the communication process. Results Family participation was the most important attribute (40.40%) while communication initiator was the least important attribute (15.44%). Registered nurses prefer to communicate with mechanically ventilated patients if family members are involved (utility = 1.03), if conventional communication equipment are used (utility = 0.24), if open‐ended questions are asked (utility = 0.13), and if nurses are the communication initiator (utility = 0.22). Conclusion The model of communication preferences highlights the importance of involving the family in the communication process and can inform family‐centered policies for mechanically ventilated patients. Unit policies on the use of conventional communication equipment should be considered to maximize the nurse‐patient communication and potentially improve patient care.

Communication with mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care units: A concept analysis

“…Clients on mechanical ventilator (Rathi & Baskaran, 2014) Invasive (mechanically) ventilated patients (Salem & Ahmad, 2018;Ull et al, 2021) Patients being (connected to/undergoing) mechanically ventilated (during critical illness) in intensive care units (Bayog et al, 2020;Danielis et al, 2020;Happ et al, 2014;Holm et al, 2020;Patak et al, 2004) Patients requiring artificial ventilation (Wojnicki-Johansson, 2001) Patients treated with mechanical ventilation (Khalaila et al, 2011) (Continues)…”

“…Communication difficulties/challenges/problems (Bayog et al, 2020;Carroll, 2004Carroll, , 2007Choi & Tate, 2021;El-Soussi et al, 2015;Happ, 2021;Happ, Tuite, et al, 2004;Holm & Dreyer, 2018a;Jansson et al, 2019;Khalaila et al, 2011;Llenore & Ogle, 1999;Menzel, 1998;Patak et al, 2004;Tembo et al, 2015;Tolotti et al, 2018) Communication difficulties is a common phenomenon among mechanically ventilated patients. It is mainly caused by the intubation, and the patient characteristics (cognitive, sensory or language deficits, fatigue and/ or reduced consciousness and muscle strength).…”

“…Communication methods/strategies (Bayog et al, 2020;Finke et al, 2008;Happ, 2021;Khalaila et al, 2011;Kuyler & Johnson, 2021;Patak et al, 2004) Communication methods or strategies (or techniques) can be unaided (use of the body for communication) or aided (use of writing or tools).…”

“…Nurse-patient communication (Ariffin et al, 2020;Bayog et al, 2020;Dithole et al, 2016a;Happ, 2021;Holm & Dreyer, 2018a;Holm et al, 2020;Jansson et al, 2019) Nurse-patient communication is a relationship build to form meaning making interaction, with a personal touch, as well as ensuring continuity of care and social encounters. It can be either by verbal or non-vocal methods, and includes a personal approach, engagement and meaning making.…”

“…Communication (Albayram & Yava, 2020;Ariffin et al, 2020;Bayog et al, 2020;Carroll, 2004Carroll, , 2007Casbolt, 2002;Dithole et al, 2016aDithole et al, , 2016bFlinterud & Andershed, 2015;Freeman-Sanderson et al, 2016b;Foa et al, 2016;Handberg & Voss, 2018;Holm & Dreyer, 2018a;Holm et al, 2020;Karlsen et al, 2019;Kuyler & Johnson, 2021;Momennasab et al, 2019;Panadian et al, 2019;Pina et al, 2020;Slatore et al, 2012;Ten Hoorn et al, 2016;Wojnicki-Johansson, 2001) Communication is used to interact and form relationships, in a dyadic process. It is an essential part of living and our social life.…”