Determining the effectiveness of illustrated communication material for communication wıth intubated patients at an intensive care unit

The aim of this semi-experimental study that took place at Baskent University Ankara Hospital was to develop illustrated material for patient communication and determine its effectiveness. The study sample consisted of 90 intubated patients at the Adult Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit who had undergone open heart surgery. The patients were divided into the intervention and control groups.Study data were obtained by using the Patient Opinion Form to Determine the Subjects to be Placed into the Communication Material Form, Questionnaire to Determine Patient Experiences with Communication while being Intubated, and the Communication Process Evaluation Form. Data analysis was with descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test.The mean age was 52±3 years, and most patients were male, married and primary school graduates. The illustrated communication material was stated to be helpful by 77.8% of the intervention group patients regarding the communication between the healthcare staff and the patients.All control group patients and especially those over aged 65 and both of gender group illiterate patients had more difficulties communicating with the healthcare staff than intervention group (p<0.05).We also determined the adequacy of the healthcare staff in understanding the needs and requests of the patients and control group females and patients over aged 65 found healthcare staff more adequate than those in the intervention group (p<0.05).All patients in the intervention group suggested the use of illustrated communication material by healthcare staff in communicating with patients. In conclusion, we determined that the use of illustrated communication material was an effective method in communicating with intubated patients.