The impact of patient communication software app on facilitating communication with mechanically ventilated patients: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Background & Aim: The use of mechanical ventilation devices as a supportive respiratory system for hospitalized patients in intensive care units is often accompanied by the inability of alert patients to establish verbal communication. This study aims to determine the impact of patient communication software on facilitating communication for mechanically ventilated patients in the intensive care unit. Methodology: This clinical trial was conducted with two groups, each comprising 60 alert, mechanically ventilated patients hospitalized in medical universities in Mashhad, from December 2022 to January 2023. Patients were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. In the intervention group, communication with the patient was established using specially designed software, while in the control group, conventional methods were used to identify patient needs. Data collection tools included a demographic questionnaire and the Ease of Communication Scale. SPSS software (version 20) was utilized for data analysis, employing chi-square, independent t-test, Mann–Whitney, Wilcoxon and paired t-tests. Cohen's d was also used to evaluate the magnitude of the effect size. Results: The composition of the groups, including gender and marital status, was comparable, as was their baseline demographic and clinical characteristics (age, gender, education level, marital status, underlying diseases, airway type, hospital stay length, sedative medication, and mechanical ventilation duration), with no significant differences found (p > 0.05). Before the intervention, there was no difference in communication ease scores between the groups. Post-intervention, the intervention group showed significantly improved communication ease scores compared to the control group (P < 0.001) The Wilcoxon test results indicated a significant reduction in the average communication ease score after the intervention within both the intervention and control groups. Conclusion: Software designed to assist communication for patients on mechanical ventilation with artificial airways could enhance their ability to communicate their needs more effectively, offering an alternative to methods such as lip-reading, writing, alphabet boards and communication boards.