Abstract
Background: Critically ill nonverbal patients often have limited means of communication through eye-blinking, communication cards, and occasionally writing. We evaluated a novel computer communication device to determine its clinical utility as an alternative form of communication between patients and hospital staff. Methods: We conducted a prospective pilot study to evaluate a communication system (LifeVoice™) for intubated nonverbal trauma patients. Patients and hospital staff completed questionnaires regarding product satisfaction and utility on days 1, 3, and 7. Results: Patients (n = 35) felt the system assisted them in obtaining their needs (>90%). Hospital staff (n = 42) felt the device improved patient care (96%) and comfort (91%). Conclusion: The system evaluated offers an effective alternative to traditional means of communication in the intensive care unit. Computer-assisted communication improves patient comfort and allows advanced patient participation in medical care. Further studies will determine whether this modality objectively improves patient care by promoting a higher degree of safety and reducing medical errors.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 488-493 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Journal of Trauma - Injury, Infection and Critical Care |
| Volume | 57 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Sep 2004 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Augmentative and alternative communication
- Augmentative technology
- Communication
- Communication aid
- Communication device
- Computer-assisted communication
- Computers
- Intensive care unit
- LifeVoice
- Nonverbal patients
- Patient comfort
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery