Effectiveness of augmented alternative communication method on communication, anxiety and satisfaction among conscious mechanical ventilation patients

Neelavathi P*, Bhuvaneswari G, Rajagopalan Vijayaraghavan

Sengunthar college of nursing, kumaramangalam, Tiruchengode, Tamilnadu, India

ABSTRACT

Augmented Alternative communication methods (AAC) enhance the communication among conscious mechanical ventilation (MV) patients and nurses, alleviate anxiety, improve the satisfaction level and meeting the needs of MV patients. A Quasi experimental study with pretest and posttest design was conducted among 20 MV patients undergoing with conscious state were selected by using purposive sampling technique and allotted to experimental (n = 10) and control (n = 10) groups from ICU based on certain determined criteria. The control group received routine communication methods, whereas the experimental group used the AAC (word, phrase with pictures communication board) for communication. The effectiveness of AAC was tested in terms of communication difficulties, anxiety and satisfaction. Data were collected by a structured interview, self-evaluation questionnaire to assess the communication difficulties, patient own perceived experienced level of anxiety was measured by self-evaluated faces anxiety scale and satisfaction regarding communication method was measured by patient satisfaction self-evaluation questionnaire (PSQ). The data were analyzed by using non parametric test (unpaired t test and RMANOVA). The study result revealed that the mean score communication difficulties, anxiety and satisfaction of pretest control and experimental group were not significant p=0.625 p=0.628 and p=0.656 respectively. The communication difficulties, satisfaction and anxiety posttest -1 of control and experimental group, as well as posttest 2 and posttest- 3 were statistically significant at (p<0.001, <0.001 and<0.001) level. Conclusion: The study concluded that post-test scores of communication difficulties, anxiety were significantly reduced and satisfaction was improved in experimental groups than control group. It shows the communication intervention (word, phrase with pictures communication board) is easy to use than paper and pen. It was effective and led to ease communication in MV patients in experimental group and shows the effectiveness of the study.

Keywords:

communication difficulties, anxiety, satisfaction