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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2025 May 10;25(1):240.
doi: 10.1186/s12871-025-03071-5.

Effect of nurse's verbal communication on the level of consciousness, pain, and agitation in anesthetized patients admitted to the intensive care unit: a double-blind clinical trial

Ali Talebi  1 , Ali Ravari  2 , Tayebeh Mirzaei  3 , Amir Moghadam Ahmadi  4 , Mohammad Ali Zakeri  5   6 , Alaa Hamza Hermis  7 , Mohammed Musaed Al-Jabri  8
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Effect of nurse's verbal communication on the level of consciousness, pain, and agitation in anesthetized patients admitted to the intensive care unit: a double-blind clinical trial

Ali Talebi et al. BMC Anesthesiol. .

Abstract

Background: Various sensory stimuli, including verbal communication, can influence patients' consciousness level, pain perception, and agitation in intensive care units (ICU). This study aimed to explore the impact of verbal communication on the consciousness level, pain, and agitation of anesthetized patients admitted to ICU.

Methods: In this randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT), participants were randomly assigned to two groups: an intervention group (n = 35) and a control group (n = 35). Patients in the intervention group received verbal communication twice a day for 10 days, while the control group received routine care. The level of consciousness, pain, and agitation of patients in both groups were assessed before and 15 min after verbal communication. Demographic questionnaires and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Behavior Pain Scale and Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale were used to collect data. Data were analyzed by SPSS 25 using t-test, Chi-square and repeated measures ANCOVA test.

Results: No significant differences were found between the two groups (verbal communication and control) concerning demographic variables (p > 0.05). Before the intervention, no significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of pain (P = 0.17). However, significant differences were noted in agitation and the level of consciousness (P < 0.05). Comparing the 10-day intervention period, a significant difference in the variables of level of consciousness, pain, and agitation was observed between the verbal communication and control groups (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that verbal communication had a positive impact on the level of consciousness, pain, and agitation of anesthetized patients in ICUs. Implementing verbal communication as an intervention by nurses can be an effective approach in medical centers.

Ethical code: IR.RUMS.REC.1398.189.

Clinical trial registration code: IRCT20150519022320N22; 8/05/2020.

Keywords: Agitation; Consciousness level; Pain; Sensory stimulation; Verbal communication.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: This study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and Clinical Practice guidelines. Ethical approval was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee of the Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences Ethics committee with the ethical code of: IR.RUMS.REC.1398.189. The clinical trial registration code (IRCT20150519022320 N22) was obtained and presented to the authorities and the relevant officials of Ali Ibn Abi Talib Hospital. Informed written/verbal consent was obtained from all subjects and/or their legal guardian(s). The study adhered to the CONSORT guidelines. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Explanation of sample size and sampling
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Estimated Marginal Means of Restlessness over Time between Case and Control Groups
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Estimated marginal means of pain over time between case and control groups
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Estimated marginal means of level of consciosness over time between case and control groups
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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    1. Goudarzi F, et al. Changes in level of consciousness during auditory stimulation by familiar voice in comatose patients. Iran J Nurs. 2010;23(63):43–50.

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