Communication simulation experiences could be included in Vent Camp or new staff orientation and annual skills retraining for ICU nurses to gain experience and appreciation for what it might be like for patients to convey their needs when verbal communication is impaired. For example, nurses could experience wearing a bilevel positive airway pressure mask and attempt to communicate discomfort or other basic needs to another nursing colleague. Another way for nurses to experience difficulty communicating and lip reading when orally intubated is to simulate the mouth being held open by using a padded bite block inserted between the teeth and secured around the face and head.
Patients who had received mechanical ventilatory support could be videotaped discussing their experiences; appropriate permissions would have to be secured. Such a powerful, first-hand account from patients could be used to facilitate discussions surrounding priorities for promoting patient-centered care among all health care professionals.
Although providing care for patients who are receiving mechanical ventilation can seem “routine” to nurses, it behooves us to keep in mind that this experience can be frightening and uncomfortable for patients and their families. In another article in the Pulmonary Care column in this issue of Critical Care Nurse, a critical care nurse conveys her experiences and recollections of receiving mechanical ventilation on several occasions for asthma exacerbation and reminds nurses to keep the central focus on the patient during this immensely stressful and fearful time. Many of her experiences surrounding being an intensive care patient are salient in promoting patient-centered care and collaboration through communication.