Use of Communication Tools for Mechanically Ventilated Patients in the Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

The use of light and no sedation is gaining currency in the intensive care unit, resulting in more conscious patients. Due to mechanical ventilation, patients are unable to communicate verbally, and may feel frustration. Communication tools may help; however, they are not used systematically in clinical practice. Based on "complex interventions" and a qualitative approach, a communication tool was modified, tested, and evaluated in this study. The tools consisted of a tablet with communication software and a laminated "communication book" with identical structure. Seven nonsedated, mechanically ventilated patients tested the tools and were observed in field studies. Findings show that challenges in using communication tools may be related to the patient, nurses, and/or technology. Patients may experience difficulties in using the tools, especially if they are extremely fatigued or have cognitive impairments and/or reduced muscle strength. Communication tools were not always necessary; however, some found them very helpful and the only way of conveying a message. Findings also show that the best way to facilitate communication is through a systematic communication strategy initiated by the nurse.

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

“…Studies that examined the communication methods used by mechanically ventilated patients reported that unaided approaches mostly encompassed the use of yes/no signals as the dominant strategy and aided AAC was rarely applied (Happ et al., 2011; Sii & Swann, 2015). Unaided AAC may be the dominant approach as mechanically ventilated patients experience a greater level of physical weakness and fatigue and fluctuate in the level of consciousness and/or cognition, thus unable to use advanced AAC (Holm & Dreyer, 2018b; Sii & Swann, 2015). However, in our umbrella review the aided techniques dominated the results concerning AAC.…”

Computer-Based Communication Tool Provides Effective Communication for Non-speaking Patients: A Quasi-experimental Study

“…Patients who are intubated and remain conscious often have problems communicating their thoughts, feelings and requests to healthcare staff (Holm & Dreyer, 2018; Karlsson et al, 2012; Khalaila et al, 2011). In this study, a web-based communication application was designed for non-speaking patients to facilitate communication with healthcare staff, and this tool was tested with intubated patients.…”

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

“…Attention-seeking actions (Karlsen et al, 2019) Attention-seeking attentions are efforts made to achieve joint attention and understanding from patients Basic communication criteria (Happ, 2021;Holm & Dreyer, 2018b) Basic communication criteria are linked to both physical, sensory and cognitive abilities of the person to communicate coherently.…”

“…Communication needs (Fitch et al, 1998;Jansson et al, 2019;Holm & Dreyer, 2018b;Mobasheri et al, 2016) Communication needs are multi-dimensional and include physical, social, emotional and psychological aspects. Can alter depending on the patient's illness trajectory Communication skills (Finke et al, 2008;Holm et al, 2020) Adequate skills in communication are important in the interaction between patients and providers, to be able to understand each other efficiently.…”