Improving nurse–patient communication with patients with communication impairments: hospital nurses' views on the feasibility of using mobile communication technologies

BackgroundNurses communicating with patients who are unable to speak often lack access to tools and technologies to support communication. Although mobile communication technologies are ubiquitous, it is not known whether their use to support communication is feasible on a busy hospital ward.PurposeThe aim of this study was to determine the views of hospital nurses on the feasibility of using mobile communication technologies to support nurse–patient communication with individuals who have communication impairments.MethodThis study involved an online survey followed by a focus group, with findings analyzed across the two data sources.FindingsNurses expected that mobile communication devices could benefit patient care but lacked access to these devices, encountered policies against use, and held concerns over privacy and confidentiality.ConclusionThe use of mobile communication technologies with patients who have communication difficulties is feasible and may lead to improvements in communication and care, provided environmental barriers are removed and facilitators enhanced.