2002 - EONS Poster - Specialized nursing interventions in optimizing patient communication undergoing total laryngectomy

Background

Permanent and immediate laryngeal voice loss, resulting from total laryngectomy can be psychologically devastating to the patient and family, generating feelings of stress, fear, and frustration (Brunner et al, 2016). In the immediate postoperative period, writing and lip read are the most commonly methods of communication used by patients. However, this surgery is often accompanied by neck dissection, resulting in neck swelling, which difficult the movement of the lips and limits limb mobility required for readable writing (Matos et al, 2009). In conclusion, these approaches may not be effective, leaving patients frustrated and unable to express their care needs (Brunner et al, 2017). Thus, communication between patients and health professionals becomes difficult, generates anxiety and anguish in the person and family and has implication in the process care. Specialized care is therefore required for this type of patients, especially those provided by nursing, highlighting the use of augmentative and/or alternative communication strategies (AAC).

Methods

A critical reflection based on the results of a previous review, were performed to identify which AAC strategies promoting effective communication in the laryngectomized patient.

Results

Strategies identified as promoting effective communication include the use of low-technology and high-technology devices.

Conclusions

The use of AAC strategies improves the quality of care provided and allows a better understanding of the needs of the laryngectomized patient, which consequently will give them greater autonomy, control over their life and facilitating their adaptation. Beyond these implications for nursing, effective communication is a right of the individual and an essential component of the quality of care and patient safety.

Clinical trial identification

Legal entity responsible for the study

Ana Frade, Susana Miguel.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Editorial Acknowledgement

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.