As a speech pathologist in the intensive care unit, Anna-Liisa Sutt works with people unable to speak because of the breathing tubes in their neck. Being left voiceless makes it difficult for patients to be involved in their own care, leading them to feel isolated and distressed.
Anna-Liisa’s research looked at using a speaking valve with these patients to help them communicate with the ICU team and families. The speaking valve connects to the tube in the patient’s throat and allows them to speak, so they can answer doctors’ questions and talk with their families. It was initially thought these valves might interfere with the patient’s lungs so lung activity was carefully monitored.
Outcome:
The research found that the patients were able to better communicate with the ICU staff and their families, and a change in practice resulted in similar breathing outcomes for the ICU patients that were using the speaking valve. Anna-Liisa is now completing a PhD, looking at the effect of speaking valve on patients’ lung function. Anna-Liisa’s research has attracted international attention – she’s been invited to speak at conferences in Australia and the USA.
Benefit:
This research received only a small amount of funding, but its impact is significant. Patients who participated in the trial were able to express themselves whilst still on a breathing machine and felt less isolated. Using the speaking valves is now common practice in our ICU.