Eye tracking communication with intubated critically ill patients: a proof-of-concept multicenter pilot study

Communication is essential to establish patient-caregivers relationship in the intensive care unit. Intubated patients are not able to speak because the tracheal tube prevents vocalization. Use of communication tools such as eye tracking device could improve communication with intubated patients. The objective of this feasibility pilot study was to demonstrate that an eye tracking device specifically developed for the intensive care could be used easily by awake intubated patient with a very short training time.

This prospective multicenter study was conducted in four intensive care units. We included awake adult intubated patients. The device used included an eye-tracking infrared detection and a communication interface specifically developed.

A total of 151 patients were included: the median age of patients was 66 years (56-72) and 97 (64%) were male, 97 patients (64%) succeed totally (installation; calibration, succeed to select all three icons), 124 (82%) succeed to select at least one icon, and 111 (74%) succeed to point to at least two icons. The main reasons for failure to use the device were: difficulties to open or to keep the eyes open, difficulties to installing the device occurred, and patient fatigue.

This study shows that the use of an eye tracking technology device specifically designed for the intensive care setting, with a short training is easy to use for intubated patient. Patients, relatives and caregivers showed high satisfaction.