Systematization of procedures for the implementation of alternative and extended communication in a general ICU

Abstract

Objective: To describe the procedures before the intervention of occupational therapy with patients having communicative difficulties and hospitalized in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Method: Action research performed at an ICU of a reference hospital in the city of Rio de Janeiro, from June to December of 2018 in patients with restricted verbal communication, health professionals, and family members. We used the following instruments: 1) assessment form of the patient's clinical condition and biography; 2) registration of basic information at the bedside; 3) communication skills assessment protocol; 4) assessment of the patient's occupational profile supported by a set of Alternative and Extended Communication (AEC) boards; 5) patient satisfaction scale applied before and after the intervention. Results: Among the procedures, we highlight the actions before the entry of the professional in the unit and the outline of steps that were started with the active search; the preparation of the material and the necessary care; the use of the assessment protocol and communicative skills in the hospital context; occupational profile assessment; the offering and training of the basic AEC board kit; the assessment of patient satisfaction regarding their communicative ability; the registration in the medical record and guidance to family members and health professionals. Conclusion: The data showed that previous factors of the AEC should be considered and valued by the occupational therapist in favor of the management of communication of the patient with verbal restriction in the ICU.