ICU-Talk, a communication aid for intubated intensive care patients

ABSTRACT

A Multi-disciplinary project staffed by personnel from nursing, computer science and speech and language therapy developed a computer based communication aid called ICU-Talk. This device has been designed specifically for intubated patients in hospital intensive care units. The ICU-Talk device was trialled with real patients. This paper reports the challenges faced when developing a device for this patient group and environment. A description of the methods used to produce ICU-Talk and results from the trials will be presented.

REFERENCES

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.4 COMPUTERS AND SOCIETY
      K.4.2 Social Issues
          Subjects: Assistive technologies for persons with disabilities

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)
          Subjects: Voice I/O

  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.2 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
      I.2.7 Natural Language Processing
          Subjects: Speech recognition and synthesis

  J. Computer Applications
  J.3 LIFE AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
      Subjects: Medical information systems

General Terms:
Algorithms, Documentation, Experimentation, Human Factors

Keywords:
AAC, HCI, ICU, communication, usability