CJCCN Volume 37, Number 1, 2026

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to explore how patients and their caregivers perceived their communication during goals-of-care/end-of-life discussions and decision-making in the intensive care unit (ICU). The patient participants were temporarily non-speaking due to their medical treatment and used augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) during their stay in the ICU. Results from patient participants were garnered when they reported their experience retrospectively. The long-term goal was to support strategies and assist in the development of AAC tools for patient participation during goals-of-care and end-of-life conversations.

Abstract

Background: Pressure injuries (PIs) are preventable and particularly frequent complications that arise in intensive care units (ICUs). To date, no French-language PI risk assessment tool has been specifically developed for ICUs. The COMHON Index is used to assess the risk of developing PI specifically among patients admitted to ICUs. It is available in several languages, including English, Japanese and Spanish, and has demonstrated promising psychometric properties.

Purpose: The goal of this study was to perform the French translation and cultural adaptation of the COMHON Index for the Quebec (Qc) critical care environment,