title: Promoting effective communication for patients receiving mechanical ventilation.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55408, USA. igrossbach@netscape.net
authors.forename: Irene
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Grossbach
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Stranberg
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Chlan
mesh_terms: D003142:Communication; D003422:Critical Care; D006801:Humans; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000451:nursing*