American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
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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. ⋯ A speaking valve should be considered for patients with a tracheostomy as soon as possible to improve their communication success.