Research has shown that the inability to talk can lead to depression, social withdrawal, and decreased self-care to name a few instances. This is a common issue that occurs in intensive care units (or ICUs) all over the world. Patients that require a tracheostomy (a procedure that involves inserting a tube through the windpipe to create an alternative airway for breathing) lose the ability to speak, as oxygen isn't make its way past their vocal chords. This is where the speaking valve comes in.
When Anna-Liisa Sutt first started working in the ICU at The Prince Charles Hospital, one thing was glaringly obvious: many tracheostomy patients were frustrated from not being able to speak. However the speaking valve gives them their voice back.
This small piece of plastic is used alongside the tracheostomy tube, redirecting exhaled air to the vocal cords and giving patients the ability to talk again. It’s an inexpensive piece of equipment that has an extremely invaluable outcome for patients, their families and their healthcare teams.
Throughout the study, Anna-Liisa noticed an increase in the mood of her tracheostomy patients that were fitted with speaking valves. She additionally found that not only were speaking valves improving the mental health of her patients, but also helped in exercising their lungs and improving their lung health. Her study has also had such a positive response nationally and internationally, that Australia’s main manufacturer of speaking valves has had trouble keeping up with the demand!
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.
The patient’s experience will be at the centre of an innovative bed space design, or ‘Cocoon’, that infuses technology and personalised medicine with best practice architectural and engineering solutions.
National Volunteer Week is an opportunity for The Common Good to celebrate the vital work of our amazing volunteers.
The inaugural eight-hour Ride For Good, hosted by The Common Good will be raising money for vital medical research into heart disease, lung disease,mental health, and dementia.