• Maurizio A Miglietta, Grant Bochicchio, and Thomas M Scalea.
• Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care, New York University School of Medicine, Bellevue Hospital Center, Trauma Services, New York, New York, USA. maurizio.miglietta@med.nyu.edu
• J Trauma. 2004 Sep 1; 57 (3): 488493488-93.

BackgroundCritically ill nonverbal patients often have limited means of communication through eye-blinking, communication cards, and occasionally writing. We evaluated a novel computer communication device to determine its clinical utility as an alternative form of communication between patients and hospital staff.MethodsWe conducted a prospective pilot study to evaluate a communication system (LifeVoice) for intubated nonverbal trauma patients. Patients and hospital staff completed questionnaires regarding product satisfaction and utility on days 1, 3, and 7.ResultsPatients (n = 35) felt the system assisted them in obtaining their needs (>90%). Hospital staff (n = 42) felt the device improved patient care (96%) and comfort (91%).ConclusionThe system evaluated offers an effective alternative to traditional means of communication in the intensive care unit. Computer-assisted communication improves patient comfort and allows advanced patient participation in medical care. Further studies will determine whether this modality objectively improves patient care by promoting a higher degree of safety and reducing medical errors.

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