We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us

Download Mobile App




Communication App Helps Patients Voice Their Needs

By HospiMedica International staff writers
Posted on 19 Sep 2016
Print article
Image: The “Speak for Myself” tablet-based communication application (Photo courtesy of Florida Atlantic University).
Image: The “Speak for Myself” tablet-based communication application (Photo courtesy of Florida Atlantic University).
An innovative tablet-based application offers intubated and ventilated intensive care unit (ICU) patients a way to converse with their medical staff.

The “Speak for Myself” app enables a patient to communicate to the ICU or critical care staff pain levels, feelings of fear and loneliness, and physical needs, such as suctioning, repositioning needs, and requests for toileting. When a patient touches the screen to indicate the location of pain on a body graphic, a voice says ‘it hurts here’ and indicates pain levels experienced. Patients can also type single words, phrases, or full sentences to communicate their needs. The software is also predictive so that if a patient begins to enter a word, the program will anticipate and present likely solutions.

A pilot study of the app, conducted at Florida Atlantic University (Boca Raton, USA), demonstrated the importance of communication, as well as the disconnect between what health care providers think patients want to say and what they actually want to communicate. In one example, a patient who reported unresolved pain in the back of his throat had a twisted nasogastric tube that was causing distress. The study was published in the August 2016 issue of Computers, Informatics, Nursing.

“While writing boards and other traditional methods may be helpful, important information is often lost. Furthermore, allowing others to speak for the patient has its limitations,” said study co-author Professor Ruth Tappen, EdD, RN. “It is accurate to assert that with enhanced communication, patients will have less frustration, their pain will be better controlled, and they will have a greater opportunity to participate in their own care.”

There are almost 800,000 patients in the United States alone who are intubated and require mechanical ventilation annually. More than half of these patients are awake, alert, and desperately attempting to communicate with ward nurses and physicians, and with their loved ones. Current methods to assist these patients with their communication needs are either antiquated, time consuming, or cumbersome.

Related Links:
Florida Atlantic University

Gold Member
12-Channel ECG
CM1200B
Gold Member
Real-Time Diagnostics Onscreen Viewer
GEMweb Live
Silver Member
Compact 14-Day Uninterrupted Holter ECG
NR-314P
New
DR Flat Panel Detector
1500L

Print article

Channels

Critical Care

view channel
Image: Researchers have developed a novel risk score for cardiovascular complications after bone marrow transplant (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Novel Tool Predicts Cardiovascular Risks after Bone Marrow Transplantation

Every year, thousands of people undergo bone marrow transplants to potentially cure serious diseases like leukemia, lymphoma, and immune deficiency disorders. While these transplants can be lifesaving,... Read more

Surgical Techniques

view channel
Image: The Early Bird Bleed Monitoring System provides visual and audible indicators of the onset and progression of bleeding events (Photo courtesy of Saranas)

Novel Technology Monitors and Lowers Bleeding Complications in Patients Undergoing Heart Procedures

Bleeding complications at the femoral access site can significantly hamper recovery, affecting the success of procedures, patient satisfaction, and overall healthcare costs. It is crucial for surgeons... Read more

Patient Care

view channel
Image: The newly-launched solution can transform operating room scheduling and boost utilization rates (Photo courtesy of Fujitsu)

Surgical Capacity Optimization Solution Helps Hospitals Boost OR Utilization

An innovative solution has the capability to transform surgical capacity utilization by targeting the root cause of surgical block time inefficiencies. Fujitsu Limited’s (Tokyo, Japan) Surgical Capacity... Read more

Point of Care

view channel
Image: The new eye-safe laser technology can diagnose traumatic brain injury (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Novel Diagnostic Hand-Held Device Detects Known Biomarkers for Traumatic Brain Injury

The growing need for prompt and efficient diagnosis of traumatic brain injury (TBI), a major cause of mortality globally, has spurred the development of innovative diagnostic technologies.... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.