Nonvocal alert patients in the intensive care unit setting often struggle to communicate due to inaccessible or unavailable tools for augmentative and alternative communication. A novel communication tool, the Manually-Operated Communication System (MOCS), was developed for use in intensive care settings for patients unable to speak due to mechanical ventilation. It is a speech-generating device designed for patients whose limited manual dexterity precludes legible writing. In a single-arm device feasibility trial, 14 participants (11 with tracheostomies, 2 with endotracheal tubes, and 1 recently extubated) used MOCS. Participants, family members, and observing nurses were interviewed whenever possible. Interviews included a modified version of the System Usability Scale (SUS) as well as open-ended questions; a qualitative immersion/crystallization approach was used to evaluate these responses. Participants with a tracheostomy and their family members/care providers rated MOCS on the SUS questions as consistently “excellent” (average rating across all groups was 84 +/- 17; all subgroups also rated the device highly). Through a qualitative interview process, these stakeholders expressed support for the use of MOCS in the ICU. Based on these data, MOCS has the potential to improve communication for nonvocal patients with limited manual dexterity.

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The purpose of the study was to determine how professional nurses perceive their roles in patient centered care in various units, in three regional hospitals in Mpumalanga Province. The main objectives of this study were to determine * whether the working environment in provincial hospitals is supportive of patient centered care * what factors could hinder the provision of patient centered care * the extent to which patient centered care is provided to patients in provincial hospitals * professional nurses' perception of their role in patient-centered care The researcher used the descriptive exploratory method. A questionnaire with closed and open-ended questions was used to collect data from professional nurses in the three hospitals. Seventy- two (72) respondents returned the completed questionnaires. The findings indicated that the professional nurses perceived patients' and nurses' lack of knowledge as the biggest hindrance to patient centered care. Patients and relatives seemed to be less involved in their own care and the lack of information given to patients by professional nurses subsequently contributed to patients' inability to make / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

The purpose of the study was to determine how professional nurses perceive their roles in patient centered care in various units, in three regional hospitals in Mpumalanga Province. The main objectives of this study were to determine * whether the working environment in provincial hospitals is supportive of patient centered care * what factors could hinder the provision of patient centered care * the extent to which patient centered care is provided to patients in provincial hospitals * professional nurses' perception of their role in patient-centered care The researcher used the descriptive exploratory method. A questionnaire with closed and open-ended questions was used to collect data from professional nurses in the three hospitals. Seventy- two (72) respondents returned the completed questionnaires. The findings indicated that the professional nurses perceived patients' and nurses' lack of knowledge as the biggest hindrance to patient centered care. Patients and relatives seemed to be less involved in their own care and the lack of information given to patients by professional nurses subsequently contributed to patients' inability to make / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)