Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2012

Keywords

Communication intervention, sudden speechlessness, acute care setting

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.3233/THC-2012-0695

Abstract

Healthcare staff face significant challenges while caring for hospitalized patients experiencing sudden inability to verbalize their needs (sudden speechlessness). Familiar methods of communication such as non-verbal strategies are limited and often fail to assist suddenly speechless patients (SS) communicate their needs. Consequently, strategies tailored to the needs of hospitalized speechless patients are necessary, and must consider factors intrinsic to the patients and the complexities of the acute care environment. The feasibility and usability of a multi-functional prototype communication system (speech-generating device) tailored to the needs of hospitalized SS patients was evaluated in this pilot study. Adult SS patients admitted to the intensive care setting (n=11) demonstrated independent use of a multi-functional communication system that integrated messages and strategies tailored to the needs of the hospitalized SS patient. Participants reported high satisfaction levels and considered the use of the technology of high importance during an SS event. Additional research should focus on evaluating the impact of technology specific communication interventions on enhancing the communication process between SS patients and healthcare staff.

Was this content written or created while at USF?

Yes

Citation / Publisher Attribution

Technology and Health Care, v. 20, issue 6, p. 519-530

The final publication is available at IOS Press through https://doi.org/10.3233/THC-2012-0695

Copyright ©2019 IOS Press All rights reserved

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