Exploring Communication Needs and Challenges in the Intensive Care Unit: A Survey Study From Providers' and Patients'...

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Communication
• Patient Experience
• Intensive Care Medicine

Background:

• Effective communication is crucial for quality care in intensive care units (ICUs).
• Nonspeaking patients face significant challenges in expressing their needs and experiences within the ICU setting.
• Understanding both patient and provider perspectives is key to identifying and addressing communication gaps.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate health care providers' and nonspeaking patients' perspectives on effective communication in the ICU.
• To identify common communication barriers encountered in the ICU environment.
• To explore potential strategies for enhancing communication effectiveness between patients and providers.

Main Methods:

• Employed qualitative and quantitative survey methodologies.
• Utilized rating scales to measure patient frustration and communication effectiveness.
• Incorporated open-ended questions to gather insights on barriers and recommendations.

Main Results:

• Nonspeaking patients reported high frustration levels stemming from ineffective communication.
• Access to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies and materials can reduce patient frustration.
• Providers primarily used yes/no questions, limiting patient input and causing communication breakdowns. Providers expressed interest in AAC training.

Conclusions:

• Both patients and providers experience communication challenges and frustration in ICUs.
• Barriers include insufficient provider training and limited access to AAC materials.
• Targeted skill training is essential to improve patient-provider communication in intensive care settings.