Eye-Tracking Communication Tool for Non-verbal ICU Patients

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.

ICU patient Inclusion Criteria: * aged ≥ 18 years * 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 Family members Inclusion Criteria: * aged ≥ 18 years * had visitation experiences during the patient's ICU admission Exclusion Criteria: * cognitive impairment * severe psychological distress ICU nurses/physicians Inclusion Criteria: * aged ≥ 18 years * registered nurses/physicians employed in the study hospital * regularly involved in direct ICU care * at least one year of ICU work experience Exclusion Criteria: * primarily involved in administrative work * internship or trainee role without regular independent patient care