How a piece of plastic has improved ICU care
Hospital Care

How a piece of plastic has improved ICU care

When we think about the basic needs for human survival, food, water and shelter are likely to be the first three things that come to mind. We don’t often think about how important communicating is to our mental health and well-being; until we no longer have the ability to do so.

Research has actually shown that “inability to talk is associated with torture, leading to depression, social withdrawal, lack of motivation to participate in care” and more. Unfortunately and inability to talk is a common issue that occurs in Intensive Care Units (ICU) throughout the world – patients that have needed a tracheostomy can’t speak, as oxygen isn’t making its way to the vocal cords.

When Anna-Liisa Sutt first started in the ICU at The Prince Charles Hospital, she found one thing glaringly obvious: in some cases, tracheostomy patients were obviously highly frustrated at their inability to speak and the subsequent limitations on communication. Enter the speaking valve.

This small, yet important, piece of plastic is used alongside the tracheostomy. Its placement redirects exhaled air back to the vocal cords and returns the patients ability to talk – giving the patient back an important form of expression and communication. Throughout the study, Anna-Liisa noticed an increase in the overall mood of her ICU tracheostomy patients who were fitted with speaking valves. It’s an inexpensive piece of equipment that has an extremely valuable outcome for patients, their families and their healthcare team.

As another part of her research Anna-Liisa was also curious about the impact of speaking valves on patient’s lung function. During her study it was found that not only was the speaking valve increasing the mental health of patients it was also helping to positively exercise the lungs!

Thanks to the work Anna-Liisa has done into this area of research, every tracheostomy patient at The Prince Charles Hospital is considered for a speaking valve. Her study has also had such a positive response nationally and internationally that Australia’s main manufacturer of the valves has had some trouble keeping up with the demand! It’s an amazing result to help patients worldwide who are already going through a particularly challenging period.

Support The Common Good here

Published: April 26, 2019

Related news & events

Grandfriends Ageless Play Program in Brisbane Expands

Aging

Grandfriends Ageless Play Program in Brisbane Expands

Grandfriends ageless play program in Brisbane expands thanks to support generated at The Common Good's 2022 Giving Day.

Find out more

Dementia Action Week 2023: ‘Act Now for a Dementia-Friendly Future’

Aging

Dementia Action Week 2023: ‘Act Now for a Dementia-Friendly Future’

Dementia Action Week 2023 runs from the 18th to the 24th of September: Dementia Australia is encouraging people to ‘act now for a dementia-friendly future’.

Find out more

Healing Ceilings Installed at Brisbane’s The Prince Charles Hospital

Hospital Care

Healing Ceilings Installed at Brisbane’s The Prince Charles Hospital

Some of the sickest patients in The Prince Charles Hospital’s thoracic ward can now look up and let their minds wander into nature, following the installation of Healing Ceilings.

Find out more

Include a Charity Week 2023: The Impact of Leaving a Gift in Will

The Common Good

Include a Charity Week 2023: The Impact of Leaving a Gift in Will

Have you heard of Include a Charity Week? Click here to read about the social change campaign and how you can have a lasting impact.

Find out more

What is Lung Disease?

Lung Disease

What is Lung Disease?

In this blog, we explain what lung disease is, discuss different types of lung disease and shed some light on common misconceptions.

Find out more

Ekka Strawberry Sundae Sales Records Tumble in 2023

The Common Good

Ekka Strawberry Sundae Sales Records Tumble in 2023

Ekka Strawberry Sundae Sales 2023: Sunny skies, soaring temps and support from showgoers all combined to create record-breaking sales.

Find out more

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): What is it?

Lung Disease

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): What is it?

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis is “a disease that afflicts many people at random.” Learn more about it in this blog.

Find out more

Bill Van Nierop: Life After Transplant

Lung Disease

Bill Van Nierop: Life After Transplant

Bill Van Nierop is incredibly grateful for the life-saving transplant he received. In this blog, we share more about Bill’s life and challenges he’s experienced after transplant.

Find out more

About the Strawberries at the Heart of the Iconic Strawberry Sundae

The Common Good

About the Strawberries at the Heart of the Iconic Strawberry Sundae

Sourcing the strawberries: In this blog, we’d like to introduce you to a few who ensure your Strawberry Sundaes contains fresh, delicious and juicy berries.

Find out more