Eye-Tracking Communication Tool for Non-verbal ICU Patients

Co-design and Pilot Feasibility Evaluation of an Eye-tracking Communication Tool for Conscious Non-verbal ICU Patients: Study Protocol for a Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial

The objectives of this clinical trial are to explore the feasibility of the eye-tracking communication tool in alleviating communication barriers among non-verbal ICU patients. It will also preliminarily investigate the effectiveness of this tool in facilitating communication for these patients.

Researchers will compare the eye-tracking communication tool with conventional techniques (such as body language, writing boards, etc.) to observe the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of the eye-tracking communication tool in alleviating communication barriers.

Participants will use an eye-tracking communication tool for augmentative communication for 2 consecutive days.

Inclusion Criteria:

• aged ≥ 18 years
• ICU stay ≥ 24 hours
• unable to communicate through normal verbal means due to endotracheal intubation/tracheotomy, muscle or nerve injury, acute/chronic spinal cord injury, etc.
• Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) score ranging from -1 to 1
• able to comply with simple instructions for study participation

Exclusion Criteria:

• blindness or inability to elevate the eyelids that preclude successful participation in eye-tracking interaction tasks
• cognitive impairment limiting meaningful participation
• severe psychological distress