Effect of Implementing Communication Strategies on Nonverbal Critically Ill Patients’ Outcomes.

The nonverbal critically ill patients have a considerable need for information and support, so verbal communication can provide orientation and meaningful sensory input to these patients, Information received by the nonverbal critically ill patients may assist in reducing stress, helping patients preserve self-identity. Aim: This study was carried out to investigate effect of implementing communication strategies on nonverbal critically ill patient's outcomes (level of consciousness, pain and duration of mechanical ventilation). Design: a quasi-experimental design. Setting: In   (Trauma, General and Critical care ICUS) at Assiut University Hospital. Subjects: A convenience sampling of 60 adults patients. Sample was assigned to two equal groups (study and control). Tools: Three tools were utilized to collect data of study, Tool I: Patient assessment tool. Tool II: Level of consciousness assessment tool (FOUR scale). Tool III: Pain assessment tool (Critical care pain observation (CPOT) scale. Method: The researcher used preparatory, implementation and evaluation phases to implement this study. Results: Finding of present study revealed that there was significant statistical difference between both study and control groups regarding to level of consciousness (P value = 0.005**& <0.001**). Conclusion: implementing communication strategies had effects on promotion of level of consciousness, improve pain sensation and decrease duration of mechanical ventilation of the study group. Recommendation: Communication strategies should standardize as a basic part of care provided to all nonverbal critically ill patients in intensive care units.