Providing Access to an Alternative Nurse Call

The study will evaluate the responses of patients, nurses and family members to the use of the Noddle switch to enable the patients to access the nurse call system and a speech generating device. Patients who cannot access the standard nurse call and who may not be able to speak due to mechanical ventilation will be recruited to the study and provided the opportunity to use the Noddle switch as long as they want while they are hospitalized at UIHC. Prior to their discharge or when they no longer need or want to use the Noddle switch, they along with their nurses and family members (if present) will be asked to complete a survey to assess their ability to effectively communicate. The data from the study participants will be compared to data from two groups of patients from a previous study who were either able to or unable to access the nurse call system and communicate with caregivers.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients must be conscious, able to produce an intentional gesture and appropriately respond to yes/no questions.
• Patients must be severely limited in their mobility and unable to access the nurse call system and/or must be unable to use normal modes of oral and written modes of communication.

Exclusion criteria

• Patients who are sedated or unconscious (patients who are sedated for limited time may be considered).
• Can access the nurse call and speak without other assistance