Evidence-Based Communication with Critically Ill Older Adults

Crit Care Clin. 2021 Jan;37(1):233-249. doi: 10.1016/j.ccc.2020.09.002. Epub 2020 Oct 28.

Abstract

Communication is a critical component of patient-centered care. Critically ill, mechanically ventilated patients are unable to speak and this condition is frightening, frustrating, and stressful. Impaired communication in the intensive care unit (ICU) contributes to poor symptom identification and restricts effective patient engagement. Older adults are at higher risk for communication impairments in the ICU because of pre-illness communication disorders and cognitive dysfunction that often accompanies or precedes critical illness. Assessing communication disorders and developing patient-centered strategies to enhance communication can lessen communication difficulty and increase patient satisfaction.

Keywords: Augmentative and alternative communication; Communication; Communication disorders; Mechanical ventilation; Older adults; Patient participation; Patient-centered care.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Communication
  • Critical Illness* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Intensive Care Units*
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Respiration, Artificial