The determination of the efficiency of coloured communication cards used to communicate with intubated patients in cardiovascular surgery intensive care unit

This descriptive study has been conducted in Gaziantep University Research and Training Hospital in order to determine the efficiency of coloured communication cards in improving satisfaction of communication for intubated patients. The sample of the study was consisted of 47 volunteer patients who had been undergone open cardiac surgery and intubated. The data was obtained from the Patient Thought-Suggestion Form used to determine the subjects of coloured communication cards prepared by making use of actual literature, questionnaire form determining patients' experiences about communication during intubation and Communication process determination form. Besides the descriptive statistics, Pearson Ki-square or Fisher-Freeman-Halton test was used regarding appropriateness. The average age of patients were 56±14.6; mostly men, married, primary school graduated. The 82.98 % of patients stated that coloured communication cards helped them to communicate with health professionals. It was determined that patients with a past history of intubation and intensive care unit faced more difficulties in communication (p<0.05). The 87.2 % of patients attended the study suggested that health care professionals use coloured communication cards to communicated with intubated patients. It is concluded that using coloured communication cards to communicate with intubated patients is an efficient method. Key Words: Coloured Communication Cards, Mechanical Ventilation, Communication, Unverbal Communication, Intensive Care Unit.