826

Abstract

Introduction: Communication between ICU patients, healthcare staff, and family members is crucial to relay information about basic needs and decision making. The ability to communicate bolsters the patient's psychological well-being and draws attention to patient discomfort, which positively affects the patient's hospital stay and recovery. ICU patients that are conscious but unable to speak and write currently lack a means to effectively communicate. Methods: Non-verbal, non-writing patients were recruited from the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU), Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU), and Neurosciences Critical Care Unit (NCCU) at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Occupational Therapy and Speech Language Pathology trained the patient on the Tobii C12 eye tracking computer for a minimum of 3 sessions and 90 minutes before administering the assessment. The patient completed the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS) after usage. Each patient rated the device's affect on 26 items relating to the core dimensions of psychological well-being, from -3 (significantly decrease) to 0 (no change) to +3 (significantly increases) with assistance from a caregiver or trainer. The 26 items are categorized into 3 sub-scales: competence, adaptability, and self-esteem. Results: Of 14 patients assessed and trained on the device, 4 patients (28.6%) were able to complete the minimum session and time requirements. Patients rated the device as having a moderate positive effect on their competence (Mean 2.14, S.D .72), between strong and moderate positive effect on their adaptability (Mean 2.42, S.D .59), and between a slight and moderate positive effect on their self-esteem (Mean 1.38, S.D .71). None of the patients rated the device as having a negative impact on any of the 3 subcategories. Conclusions: Patient response to the device was universally positive; patients outfitted with the C12 eye-tracking computer in the ICU experienced increased feelings of competence, adaptability, and self-esteem. All patients were able to communicate a minimum of their basic needs to healthcare staff and family members. Some patients had significant discussions regarding their care. The device has an overwhelmingly positive effect on the patient's psychological state in the ICU environment; patients are afforded greater independence, consequently reducing stress and feelings of helplessness. The Tobii C12 eye-tracking computer is a viable and effective assistive technology for patients in the acute care setting.