Impact of an interactive communication application on the satisfaction and anxiety of intubated patients admitted to intensive care units: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND

This article has examined the possibility of communicating with conscious intubated patients using an application and its effect on anxiety and satisfaction.

METHODS

This clinical trial study was conducted from March 5, 2021, to August 8, 2023, with the target population of conscious intubated patients hospitalized in intensive care units (ICUs) of hospitals affiliated with Qom University of Medical Sciences in Iran. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to groups using a randomized block method with blocks of four (27 people in each group). Subjects completed the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale questionnaire along with a researcher-made questionnaire to assess satisfaction levels. After 4 days, the questionnaires were re-administered and the results were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics, as well as Kruskal-Wallis and -tests with SPSS version 16.

RESULTS

Both the control and intervention groups had similar demographic characteristics. Postintervention, the satisfaction levels in the intervention group (mean 92.13 ± 16.25) significantly increased compared to the control group (mean 70.50 ± 6.06) ( = 0.001). In addition, anxiety levels after the intervention were lower in the intervention group (mean 29.12 ± 6.51) than in the control group (mean 88.49 ± 46.31) ( = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

These results have significant implications for patients in ICU who may struggle to communicate their needs. In addition, this communication tool has the potential to enhance the quality of communication between patients and nurses, boost adherence to care plans, lower rates of re-hospitalization, and ultimately improve patient health.