Communication with invasive mechanically ventilated patients and the use of alternative devices: integrative review

Abstract

Background Communication with patients has always been a major concern in nursing care. Invasive mechanically ventilated (IMV) patients suffer from a communication barrier due to the presence of the endotracheal tube (ETT), which makes them unable to communicate through speech. Aim The purpose of this review is to examine available evidence regarding existing knowledge, skills, perceptions and barriers to IMV patient communication in order to guide the development of strategies that enhance effective communication with these patients. Methods A review of the published literature was conducted between January 2010 and December 2016. Results The literature support clear and concise communication in all areas of care, especially when patients suddenly become speechless. Invasive mechanically ventilated patients want to be heard, have control over their treatment and contribute to decisions concerning their health. Conclusion There is a need for the establishment of an effective nurse -patient communication strategy, which may include determining the mode of communication used by the patient, waiting and giving time to allow a patient to participate in the communication, confirming the message that was communicated with a patient himself/ herself, and the use of assistive and augmented communication to support comprehension when needed.

Comparison between Highly-Talented and Low- Talented Nurses on their Characteristics and Quality of Nursing Care

“…From the researcher's standpoint, the differences between the highlytalented and the low-talented nurses' perspectives on how they perceived the care provided to their patients might be due to the following: nurses' different degrees of experience and knowledge regarding the standards of care, their variations in their talent levels (competence, commitment, contribution), and the highly-talented nurses' ambitions to provide talented care. Meyers et al, [1] proposed that people who are highlytalented have the aptitude to achieve their work to a level that places their accomplishment within at least the highest 10% of their colleagues who are energetic in that work and this was corroborated by the present study [29][30][31].…”

Nurses' communication with mechanically ventilated patients in the intensive care unit: Umbrella review

“…In total, 152 studies were included aggregating knowledge from 106 original studies because some were duplicates (see Supplementary Material C). Salem and Ahmad (2018) also analysed two reviews, meaning that 108 studies were cited. A total of 229 findings were compared and contrasted to answer the review questions.…”

“…(2018) also used the image of ‘being in limbo’ to describe the feeling. Difficult communication resulted in psychological, social, and emotional problems with moderate feelings of depression, anxiety, anger and fear (Dithole et al., 2016; Salem & Ahmad, 2018). The experience led to unmet needs, exhaustion, and enhanced the feeling of dependency and suffering (Yang, 2016).…”

“…The research syntheses described patients' spontaneous and unaided communication attempts (Dithole et al., 2016; Karlsen et al., 2018; Salem & Ahmad, 2018; Tsay et al., 2013). Karlsen et al wrote that ‘patients used a variety of communication techniques’, but these were not itemized.…”

Provision of speech-language pathology services for the treatment of speech and language disorders in children during the COVID-19 pandemic: Problems, concerns, and solutions

“…Patients with COVID-19 who underwent tracheal intubation or mechanical ventilation need to interact with the treatment staff, especially nurses [ 46 , 47 ]. Patients, who are in this condition, need to be heard, have control over their conditions and treatment status, convey their problems, and collaborate in decision making regarding their health [ 48 ]. When speech and communication with others are not possible, speechless patients report concerns and frustration [ 49 ].…”