Communicating effectively with ventilator-dependent patients is essential so that various basic physiological and psychological needs can be conveyed and decisions, wishes, and desires about the plan of care and end-of-life decision making can be expressed. Numerous methods can be used to communicate, including gestures, head nods, mouthing of words, writing, use of letter/picture boards and common words or phrases tailored to meet individualized patients’ needs. High-tech alternative communication devices are available for more complex cases. Various options for patients with a tracheostomy tube include partial or total cuff deflation and use of a speaking valve. It is important for nurses to assess communication needs; identify appropriate alternative communication strategies; create a customized care plan with the patient, the patient’s family, and other team members; ensure that the care plan is visible and accessible to all staff interacting with the patient; and continue to collaborate with colleagues from all disciplines to promote effective communication with nonvocal patients.
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1 June 2011
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June 01 2011
Promoting Effective Communication for Patients Receiving Mechanical Ventilation
Irene Grossbach, RN, MSN;
Irene Grossbach practiced as a pulmonary clinical nurse specialist for 28 years and is an adjunct assistant professor in the School of Nursing at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Sarah Stranberg is a speech-language pathologist and a clinical specialist at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview, in Minneapolis. Linda Chlan is an associate professor in the School of Nursing at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.
Corresponding author: Irene Grossbach, rn, msn, 3043 East Calhoun Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55408 (e-mail: [email protected]).
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Sarah Stranberg, MA, CCC-SLP;
Sarah Stranberg, MA, CCC-SLP
Irene Grossbach practiced as a pulmonary clinical nurse specialist for 28 years and is an adjunct assistant professor in the School of Nursing at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Sarah Stranberg is a speech-language pathologist and a clinical specialist at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview, in Minneapolis. Linda Chlan is an associate professor in the School of Nursing at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.
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Linda Chlan, RN, PhD
Linda Chlan, RN, PhD
Irene Grossbach practiced as a pulmonary clinical nurse specialist for 28 years and is an adjunct assistant professor in the School of Nursing at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Sarah Stranberg is a speech-language pathologist and a clinical specialist at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview, in Minneapolis. Linda Chlan is an associate professor in the School of Nursing at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.
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Crit Care Nurse (2011) 31 (3): 46–60.
Citation
Irene Grossbach, Sarah Stranberg, Linda Chlan; Promoting Effective Communication for Patients Receiving Mechanical Ventilation. Crit Care Nurse 1 June 2011; 31 (3): 46–60. doi: https://doi.org/10.4037/ccn2010728
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