eISSN 2097-6046
ISSN 2096-7446
CN 10-1655/R
Responsible Institution：China Association for Science and Technology
Sponsor：Chinese Nursing Association
中华急危重症护理杂志

Chinese Journal of Emergency and Critical Care Nursing >

2026 , Vol. 7 >Issue 2: 168 - 174

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3761/j.issn.2096-7446.2026.02.006

Special Planning: Improving Nursing Care Quality for ICU

A qualitative study on the non-verbal communication needs of mechanically ventilated patients in the ICU

  • HUANG Fangfang ,
  • HU Jun ,
  • ZHOU Yan ,
  • FAN Tianjing ,
  • YU Hongji ,
  • GAO Bingbing ,
  • JIANG Yunlong
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  • 1. Comprehensive Intensive Care Unit， the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine， Hangzhou 311121， China
    2. Nursing Department， the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine， Hangzhou 311121， China

Received date: 2025-04-06

  Online published: 2026-02-02

Supported by

General Nursing Research Project of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University(2025ZYHL07)

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Abstract

Objective To explore non-verbal communication needs of mechanically ventilated patients，providing reference for formulating their non-verbal communication strategies. Methods From May to December 2024，purposeful sampling was used to conduct semi-structured interviews with post-extubation mechanically ventilated patients and ICU nurses in a tertiary hospital in Zhejiang. Data were analyzed via Van Manen method. Results Non-verbal communication needs of ICU mechanically ventilated patients involved 5 themes（suitability of needs communication，prominent willingness to communicate physiological needs，limited expression of psychological needs，safety communication，care and family communication，and environmental communication are required prominent physiological needs，restricted psychological expression，safety communication，care and family communication，and environment communication） and 18 sub-themes（adaptability of communication strategies， suppression of psychological needs expression， etc.）. Conclusion The nonverbal communication needs of mechanically ventilated patients are diverse，with a strong desire for communication. Researchers should clarify their communication scope，develop effective communication strategies，accurately identify their needs，and improve their physiological and psychological satisfaction and oxygen therapy safety.

Key words： Mechanical Ventilation; Nonverbal Communication; Needs; Qualitative Study; Nursing Care

Cite this article

HUANG Fangfang , HU Jun , ZHOU Yan , FAN Tianjing , YU Hongji , GAO Bingbing , JIANG Yunlong . A qualitative study on the non-verbal communication needs of mechanically ventilated patients in the ICU[J]. Chinese Journal of Emergency and Critical Care Nursing, 2026 , 7(2) : 168 -174 . DOI: 10.3761/j.issn.2096-7446.2026.02.006

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