iPad-based Apps to Facilitate Communication in Critically Ill Patients with Impaired Ability to Communicate: A Preclinical Analysis

Abstract

Background Inability to communicate is very distressing for patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Most communication exchanges in ICU are initiated by healthcare workers (HCWs). Touch screen apps may enable patients to initiate communication and improve their interactions. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the pertinent features of iPad-based apps designed for communication in ICU. Methods Apple “App Store” and Google “Play Store” were searched for keywords “communication” and “intensive care.” Related app suggestions were screened. Two independent assessors evaluated iPad-based apps that were deemed useful. The assessors resolved the discrepancies by re-evaluating the apps and reaching a consensus. Results Nine apps met the inclusion criteria. Of these six apps were free. There were seven apps specific to intensive care. Most apps had preloaded phrases for the patient to request to see someone (e.g., family), personal hygiene (e.g., bowel care), seek help with symptoms (e.g., pain), or a comfort item (e.g., blanket). CALD Assist, Patient Communicator, VidaTalk, and YoDoc were available in more than eight languages. VidaTalk and YoDoc allowed the user to write. Four apps were deemed not suitable for routine ICU use, while the remaining five had several attractive features. Conclusion Several high-quality apps are available to assist with patient-initiated communication exchange in ICU. This study provides a guide for readers to choose the app most suited to their needs. In the opinion of the authors, YoDoc is the most suitable app for routine use in ICU. Among free apps, CommuniCare appears to be the most user-friendly. How to cite this article Dind AJ, Starr JS, Arora S. iPad-based Apps to Facilitate Communication in Critically Ill Patients with Impaired Ability to Communicate: A Preclinical Analysis. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(11):1232–1240.

Needs Communicative Digital Technology Program for Intubated Patients with Critical Illnesses: A Quasi-Experimental Study

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Development of a computer-based communication tool for voiceless patients: AyMeSES

“…Endotracheal intubation, tracheostomy, need for non-invasive positive pressure ventilation, head and neck surgery, stroke, sedation and sensory impairment, and different language are the common reasons for not being able to communicate, including with healthcare professionals. 1 Up to 40% of patients in the intensive care unit reported communication difficulties. 2 Another study this rate was 16-24%.…”

“…3 In addition, personal protective equipment used in intensive care during the COVID-19 pandemic made communication difficult by blocking speech sounds and hiding lip movements and facial expressions. 1 During mechanical ventilation, patients temporarily lose their speech function because of intubation. Voiceless is a critical problem especially for patients who are conscious and connected to a ventilator.…”

“…Examples of electronic communication tools include CALD Assist, At Elements ICU, CommuniCare ICU, ICU Communication App, Patient Communicator, SmallTalk Intensive Care, Talkboard-Communicator, VidaTalk and YoDoc. 1 The common feature of these communication tools is that they allow expressing what is wanted to be conveyed by touching a screen.…”