Communication with mechanically ventilated patients

    Authors

    Keywords

    communication, mechanical ventilation, nursing, intensive care unit

    DOI

    https://doi.org/10.15836/ccar2025.282

    Full Text

    Communication with a patient on mechanical ventilation is a significant challenge in intensive care units (1). It is one of the most important needs of the patient to exchange information and develop a relationship of trust (2). Due to the inability to communicate verbally, patients often feel a loss of identity, control and dignity. On the other hand, nurses and other staff in contact with the patient also experience frustration due to difficulty in understanding the patient’s wishes, attitudes and needs (2, 3). When effective and empathetic communication is established, patients feel safer, calmer and more actively involved in their own care and treatment. In practice, there are several ways and aids for communication. Lip reading, gesturing, writing on paper and communication boards are often not enough due to patient’s physical weakness, fatigue, tremors and other difficulties. Technological developments have enabled application of alternative and augmentative methods, such as devices that track eye movements and mobile applications. Applying these solutions can significantly reduce the feeling of isolation and increase the patient’s self-confidence. Successful communication requires, in addition to high and low technological solutions, a positive attitude, empathy, patience, presence, openness and the willingness of the staff to devote time and attention to the patients. Education about verbal and nonverbal communication and the use of available aids further contributes to the patient feeling understood and respected, thus improving the quality of care and emotional recovery. Communication with patients on mechanical ventilation should not be neglected. A combination of low and high-tech solutions, professional education, and an empathetic and patient approach ensures better cooperation, reduces stress, strengthens trust between patient and staff, and contributes to a faster patient recovery.

    Literature

    1. Holm A, Viftrup A, Karlsson V, Nikolajsen L, Dreyer P. Nurses’ communication with mechanically ventilated patients in the intensive care unit: Umbrella review. J Adv Nurs. 2020 November;76(11):2909–20. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.14524
    2. Kwame A, Petrucka PM. A literature-based study of patient-centered care and communication in nurse-patient interactions: barriers, facilitators, and the way forward. BMC Nurs. 2021 September 3;20(1):158. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-021-00684-2
    3. Yang R. Dependency in Critically Ill Patients: A Meta-Synthesis. Glob Qual Nurs Res. 2016 March 22;3:2333393616631677. https://doi.org/10.1177/2333393616631677
    Cardiologia Croatica
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    Communication with mechanically ventilated patients

    Extended Abstract
    Issue11-12
    Published
    Pages282
    PDF via DOIhttps://doi.org/10.15836/ccar2025.282
    communication
    mechanical ventilation
    nursing
    intensive care unit

    Authors

    Sebastian Sajko*ORCIDUniversity Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

    *Correspondence email: sebastiansajko90@gmail.com

    Full Text

    Communication with a patient on mechanical ventilation is a significant challenge in intensive care units (1). It is one of the most important needs of the patient to exchange information and develop a relationship of trust (2). Due to the inability to communicate verbally, patients often feel a loss of identity, control and dignity. On the other hand, nurses and other staff in contact with the patient also experience frustration due to difficulty in understanding the patient’s wishes, attitudes and needs (2, 3). When effective and empathetic communication is established, patients feel safer, calmer and more actively involved in their own care and treatment.

    In practice, there are several ways and aids for communication. Lip reading, gesturing, writing on paper and communication boards are often not enough due to patient’s physical weakness, fatigue, tremors and other difficulties. Technological developments have enabled application of alternative and augmentative methods, such as devices that track eye movements and mobile applications. Applying these solutions can significantly reduce the feeling of isolation and increase the patient’s self-confidence. Successful communication requires, in addition to high and low technological solutions, a positive attitude, empathy, patience, presence, openness and the willingness of the staff to devote time and attention to the patients. Education about verbal and nonverbal communication and the use of available aids further contributes to the patient feeling understood and respected, thus improving the quality of care and emotional recovery.

    Communication with patients on mechanical ventilation should not be neglected. A combination of low and high-tech solutions, professional education, and an empathetic and patient approach ensures better cooperation, reduces stress, strengthens trust between patient and staff, and contributes to a faster patient recovery.

    Literature

    1. 1.
      Holm A, Viftrup A, Karlsson V, Nikolajsen L, Dreyer P. Nurses’ communication with mechanically ventilated patients in the intensive care unit: Umbrella review. J Adv Nurs. 2020 November;76(11):2909–20.DOI
    2. 2.
      Kwame A, Petrucka PM. A literature-based study of patient-centered care and communication in nurse-patient interactions: barriers, facilitators, and the way forward. BMC Nurs. 2021 September 3;20(1):158.DOI
    3. 3.
      Yang R. Dependency in Critically Ill Patients: A Meta-Synthesis. Glob Qual Nurs Res. 2016 March 22;3:2333393616631677.DOI