Communication Success and Speaking Valve Use in Intensive Care Patients Receiving Mechanical Ventilation

Anna-Liisa Sutt, Petrea L. Cornwell, Karen Hay, John F. Fraser and Louise Rose. Am J Crit Care DOI 10.4037/ajcc2022516

Background: Communication with patients receiving mechanical ventilation in an intensive care unit can be challenging. Once a patient is tracheostomized, a speaking valve may enable restoration of verbal communication. To date, no data are available on the effect of speaking valves on communication success in intensive care units.

Objective: The aim of this prospective cohort study was to measure communication success before and during speaking valve use for intensive care patients being weaned from mechanical ventilation, from both the nurses’ and the patients’ perspectives.