A Systematic Review on Voiceless Patients’ Willingness to Adopt High-Technology Augmentative and Alternative Communication in Intensive Care Units
Intensive & Critical Care Nursing
Ju, X. X., Yang, J., et al. (2020).
Intensive & Critical Care Nursing, 1-10.
This systematic review investigates the adoption and acceptance of high-technology augmentative and alternative communication (high-tech AAC) devices by adult intensive care unit patients experiencing a temporary loss of voice due to medical intervention (e.g., endotracheal intubation, tracheostomy, mechanical ventilation).
Shanghai Municipal Health Commission (China)
Database inception to September 2019
Randomised controlled trials; quasi-experimental studies; observational trials; case reports; qualitative research
18
<div>Adult ICU patients who are temporarily voiceless due to medical interventions (e.g., endotracheal intubation, mechanical ventilation) reported satisfaction with high-tech AAC. Specific findings included:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Patients adapted to high-tech AAC use during their ICU stay.</li>
<li>One study "found that patients and their families maintain a positive attitude toward high-tech AAC and families can better understand patients who are using the devices" (p. 6).</li>
<li>One study found that some ICU patients expressed a preference for writing. </li>
</ul>
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<div>High-tech AAC had the following effects for adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients who are temporarily voiceless due to medical interventions such as endotracheal intubation or mechanical ventilation:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Patients were able to express their healthcare needs more quickly and communication difficulties were reduced (6 studies).</li>
<li>Patients demonstrated less frustration (2 studies). </li>
<li> Delirium and patient confusion were reduced (2 studies).</li>
</ul>
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