The determination of the efficiency of visual communication cards developed for the purpose of communication with the intubated patients in the intensive care unit of cardiovascular surgery

Abstract

Objective: This descriptive study has been conducted in order to determine the efficiency of coloured communication cards in improving satisfaction of communication for intubated patients. Material and Methods: The sample of the study was consisted of 47 volunteer patients who had undergone open cardiac surgery and intubated. The data were obtained from the patient thought-suggestion form used to determine the subjects of coloured communication cards prepared by making use of actual literature, questionnaire form determining patients' experiences about communication during intubation and communication process determination form. Besides the descriptive statistics, Pearson chi-square and Fisher-Freeman-Halton test were used regarding appropriateness. Results: The average age of patients was 56±14.6; mostly men, married, primary school graduated. The 82.98% of patients stated that coloured communication cards helped them to communicate with health professionals. It was determined that patients with a past history of intubation and intensive care unit faced more difficulties in communication (p<0.05). Of patients, 87.2% attended the study suggested that health care professionals use coloured communication cards to communicated with intubated patients.Conclusion: It is concluded that using coloured communication cards to communicate with intubated patients is an efficient method.