Eye-Tracking in Communication Use for Mechanically Ventilated ICU Patients: A Scoping Review

Communication with mechanically ventilated patients is a major challenge in the intensive care unit (ICU). Ineffective communication may lead to heightened negative emotions in patients and increase potential safety risks. Eye-tracking devices mainly use optical recording methods to capture the dynamic trajectory of eye movements and gaze positions, thus realising the interaction between the brain and external information. Although eye-tracking devices show promise for facilitating communication, they are only used in a few ICUs.

This paper presents a scoping review of the application of eye-tracking technology in communication with mechanically ventilated patients in the ICU. The objective is to identify its current applications and characteristics, as well as provide direction for future research in this field.

A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library and Scopus databases, covering records from the inception of each database up to 23 January 2025. The included literature was summarised and analysed.

A total of 11 papers were included. The use of eye-tracking technology in ICU mechanical ventilation communication mainly included communication of the content of needs and symptom assessment. The main outcome indicators were communication feasibility, satisfaction, psychosocial status and somatic symptoms.

Eye-tracking devices are effective in facilitating communication about basic needs and in supporting symptom assessment among mechanically ventilated patients in the ICU. These devices enable personalised non-verbal communication and provide a more objective approach to symptom evaluation. Future research should focus on enhancing device functionality and conducting multicentre, large-sample randomised controlled trials to further explore and validate their role in ICU patient care.

Effective communication with mechanically ventilated patients is essential in the ICU. The use of eye-tracking devices can improve communication efficiency and patient safety. ICU nurses should receive training in communication strategies and the practical use of such devices to optimise patient care.