• Rebecca S Koszalinski, Ruth M Tappen, and David Viggiano.
• Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA.
• Rehabil Nurs. 2015 Jul 1;40(4):235-42.

PurposeTo describe the creation and initial feasibility study of a new computer application to improve communication with people who cannot communicate by customary means during their hospitalization.DesignThis was a mixed-methods, quasi-experimental design.MethodsThis exploratory feasibility study obtained data about the experiences of 20 intensive care patients in three South Florida hospitals who were unable to speak due to mechanical obstruction.FindingsStudy participants (20), who ranged in age from 45 to 91 years (M=67.4, SD=12.88) and between -1 to +1 (SD=-0.15) on the Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale, used Speak for Myself from 4 to 16 hours with a mean of 8.86 (SD=2.12). Ninety-five percent of the participants stated that Speak for Myself was helpful for communication.ConclusionsSpeak for Myself was helpful to patients who used it. This was a small study (n=20). It warrants further investigation.Clinical RelevancePatients who are unable to communicate their needs through conventional methods still want to make their preferences and needs known. Speak for Myself is a new application that facilitates ensuring the patient's voice is heard.© 2014 Association of Rehabilitation Nurses.

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