An app for patients who cannot communicate has been developed by Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre’s intensive care department.

The app (voICe) was released in Dutch in 2013 and is now available in English. It consists of 50 pictograms, for adults and children, grouped in 6 themes, that speak and show the text. When the pictogram is touched, a voice (choice of man/woman/boy/girl), says what the patient wants or what is wrong. The latest version has a special enlarged keyboard for the write canvas, a large clock and notes storage for up to 6 people. Families and friends can leave messages and a video image for the patient.

The developers say that the app requires only a small amount of muscle power and locomotion, is intuitive, simple and understandable for everyone. The app “learns” the choices of the patients and adapts itself to these.

As well as the ICU, other patient groups such as stroke or paralysed ptients may benefit from this communication tool.



The app is available for the iPad only.  Two competitor apps are described on the Radboud UMC voICe website.

Source and image credit: Radboud UMC
Video credit: Thijs Tollenaar UMC St. Radboud Nijmegen.

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communication, app, iPad, intensive care, Radboud UMC An app for patients who cannot communicate has been developed by Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre’s intensive care department.