Promoting Effective Communication for Patients Receiving Mechanical Ventilation

Abstract

Communicating effectively with ventilator-dependent patients is essential so that various basic physiological and psychological needs can be conveyed and decisions, wishes, and desires about the plan of care and end-of-life decision making can be expressed. Numerous methods can be used to communicate, including gestures, head nods, mouthing of words, writing, use of letter/picture boards and common words or phrases tailored to meet individualized patients’ needs. High-tech alternative communication devices are available for more complex cases. Various options for patients with a tracheostomy tube include partial or total cuff deflation and use of a speaking valve. It is important for nurses to assess communication needs; identify appropriate alternative communication strategies; create a customized care plan with the patient, the patient’s family, and other team members; ensure that the care plan is visible and accessible to all staff interacting with the patient; and continue to collaborate with colleagues from all disciplines to promote effective communication with nonvocal patients.

Communicating While Receiving Mechanical Ventilation: Texting With a Smartphone

“…[1][2][3][4] In addition to the nonvocal communication methods (mouthing words, gestures, head nods, facial expressions), there are verbal (using written …”

Nonpharmacological Interventions to Manage Common Symptoms in Patients Receiving Mechanical Ventilation

“…5 Although the trigger for an episode of anxiety may be identifiable, determining the exact cause each time may be difficult if not impossible, particularly when communication is a challenge. The article by Grossbach et al 33 in this issue of Critical Care Nurse contains detailed information on promoting effective communication with patients receiving mechanical ventilation. Discovering the cause of anxiety and agitation is important; the first action is ruling out physiological causes.…”

“…Additionally, analgesic medications, sedative agents, pain, and anxiety can all affect a patient's ability to comprehend complex information. Grossbach et al 33 offer strategies to promote effective communication with patients receiving mechanical ventilation.…”

Beyond the Language Barrier 'Speak', 'See', 'Help Me'

“…Studies have emphasized the use of interpreters [6] but none of the studies focus on the interventions such as communication tool kit to overcome the language barriers. Few studies have focused on using communication boards in ICU [4,8]. Therefore, our study is of the highest important as this will focus on utilizing communication tool kit to reduce this language barrier.…”

“…In multicultural and multilingual environment, language barriers impose an important challenge to health care providers and patients. This language barrier raises question about the holistic care and collaborative decision making among the patients and health care providers [4]. Studies have highlighted that health care provider-patient communication barrier leads to a decrease in patient satisfaction, potentially poor clinical decision making, increased chances of medical errors, longer hospital stays and poor patient outcomes [1].…”