The Effect of Augmentative Alternative Communication on Anxiety in Patients under Mechanical Ventilators in the Intensive Care Unit: Pilot Study

Objective: One of the main problems, for patients under a mechanical ventilator, is their inability to verbally communicate. This condition can cause psychological problems; such as anxiety. Additionally, as anxiety must be treated immediately to prevent adverse effects for the patient, one effective strategy is augmentative alternative communication (AAC). Hence, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of AAC on anxiety in patients, who are on mechanical ventilators. Material and Methods: This study was pre-experimental, consisting of a one-group pre-test post-test design: conducted using consecutive sampling. The AAC was conducted using a book while the anxiety instrument was the face anxiety scale (FAS). Conducting AAC and measurements of anxiety were carried out by a research assistant. Anxiety was based on anxiety scores and physiological parameters via. Bivariate data analysis using Wilcoxon Sign Rank Test. Results: The patient’s level of anxiety before and after AAC had difference scores of 2, wherein the pre-test was moderate anxiety and the post-test after being given AAC was no anxiety. The physiological parameters, before and after AAC, did not change clinically, because they were still within normal limits. Wilcoxon Sign Rank test results (p-value=0.001) with Cramer’s v value (0.21) Conclusion: AAC has a positive effect having statistically and clinically significant changes in anxiety and has a medium effect size on anxiety level.