Outcome measurement tools for communication, voice and speech intelligibility in the ICU and their clinimetric properties: A systematic review

Abstract

Purpose To identify outcome measurement tools used to evaluate communication, voice and speech intelligibility in the mechanically ventilated ICU population. Secondly, to evaluate, synthesise and compare the clinimetric properties of the tools identified. Materials and methods A systematic review of articles was undertaken via electronic databases in two parts. Eligibility criteria for selection: part one – quantitative or mixed methods studies which assessed communication, voice or speech intelligibility; part two – studies which evaluated a clinimetric property for one of the tools identified in part one. Two independent reviewers assessed articles for inclusion and used the consensus-base..