Communication experiences of tracheostomy patients with nurses in the ICU: A scoping review

The quality of care for tracheostomy and mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care units (ICUs) has improved considerably. However, the communication barrier attributable to these procedures generates many problems for patients, as they are unable to communicate effectively with family members and ICU healthcare professionals, especially nurses.

To describe (1) tracheostomy patients' needs, emotions and difficulties when communicating with ICU nurses and (2) which strategies nurses and patients have adopted to improve their communication.

A scoping review was completed using the Joanna Briggs Institute method and following the PRISMA-ScR Checklist. The research question was developed using the Population, Concept and Context framework. Five databases were searched. After screening, two researchers independently analysed the 75 papers, and finally, 19 studies were included in this review.

All studies used a qualitative design. Seven adopted a phenomenological and two a hermeneutic approach, involving a total of 265 patients. Two main themes and four subthemes were identified: (1) the tracheostomy patients' needs, emotions and difficulties communicating with ICU nurses (patients' emotions, communication needs, and their content and difficulties) and (2) strategies that nurses and patients adopted to improve communication (communication strategies).

It is essential to develop effective communication with tracheostomy patients to ensure they feel relieved, safe and considered. Communication content should focus on information relating to the person's personal condition and active involvement in care.

It is important to prioritise the communication process in tracheostomised patients and create the organisational conditions that foster effective communication processes. Developing training programmes for new or practising nurses is essential to instil greater awareness about this crucial fundamental need.