Communication and interaction between conscious and alert critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation and healthcare providers in intensive care units: An in-depth study

Abstract

Mechanically ventilated patients experience communication barriers due to the endotracheal tube. In the last decades an increasing amount of critically ill patients are conscious during mechanical ventilation, because this improves patient outcomes. The thesis’ aimed to obtain in-depth knowledge of the communication and interaction between patients and healthcare providers when patients are conscious and alert and assisted by mechanical ventilation in intensive care units. Observations revealed that the patients used various non-vocal methods to obtain attention and communicate. The patients varied from being observers to participants in decisions about their treatment, such as tracheal suctioning or medication, guided by the providers. Providers expressed feeling torn between their ideals and the real-world encounters in the care of these patients because of the communication challenges. Communication barriers have consequences for the patients’ treatment. Providers’ competence in communicating with mechanically ventilated patients must be increased to meet patients’ expectations and the providers’ obligation to facilitate participation.