Breaking through communication barriers during COVID-19. @UWMedicine expert available.

COVID-19 patients recovering from days of paralysis are too weak to write legibly and cannot speak leaving them terrified, anxious and poised for days spent in delirium, complications and prolonged hospital stay.

 Lance Patak, an assistant professor of anesthesiology and pain medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine, who works at Seattle Children’s, is a great expert to discuss this issue.

He has done a lot of research into patient communication and co-founded a company, which has created a simple communications tool for patients who cannot write or speak. The board was based on research and tested.

The EZ Board is a sturdy but lightweight picture and word board that allows weak ventilated patients to express wants and convey needs. It’s being sold for $14.95.

Because of the pandemic, Patak said hospital staff can order free boards by email, and an app is available with a free subscription until June 30.  

The board is being used in health systems around the country, such as Sinai Health, New York-Presbyterian, Penn Health, St. Jude’s, VA Health System, Children’s Health, Kaiser, UCLA, Johns Hopkins Health System, and others.

It has been translated into 20 languages. See links below for more info:

• Link to boards sold by Acuity Medical in Annapolis, Maryland:
• Link to app
• Email for free EZ Boards: [email protected]

Original post https://alertarticles.info