Question

Many patients have problems with communication. This is particularly obvious with critical illness and following laryngectomy. Patients will usually have the cognitive ability to communicate but are unable to do so.

What are the key reasons for these communication problems?

Drag the labels to the corresponding statements, then select Submit and select the Barriers to attempting communication tab to continue.

Barriers to attempting communication

The trend for using less sedation in critical care increases opportunities for communication. When patients can communicate their needs and thoughts, anxiety and frustration is reduced for patients, relatives and staff.

Augmentative (enhancing existing methods) and alternative (different methods) of communication (sometimes referred to as AAC) can help a lot. Research demonstrates improved satisfaction, reduced frustration and anxiety and reduced length of stay.

Question: Can you think of any barriers to attempting communication?

Answer

The trend for using less sedation in critical care increases opportunities for communication. When patients can communicate their needs and thoughts, anxiety and frustration is reduced for patients, relatives and staff.

Augmentative (enhancing existing methods) and alternative (different methods) of communication (sometimes referred to as AAC) can help a lot. Research demonstrates improved satisfaction, reduced frustration and anxiety and reduced length of stay.

Question: Can you think of any barriers to attempting communication?

Answer: Typical barriers involve:

  • Staff factors:
    • Time constraints
    • Device complexity
    • Device size
  • Patient factors:
    • Motor impairment
    • Confusion
    • Fatigue

Fig 1 is a video showing how different ICU staff value communication with critically-ill patients.

Fig 1 Communicating with tracheostomy patients