In the 1 South Medical/Surgical and Telemetry Unit at the Fremont Medical Center, communication isn’t just a courtesy, it’s a commitment. A group of nurses championed the Communication Toolbox, a simple, powerful kit designed to bridge gaps and restore connection based on individual patient needs.

For patients who struggle to hear or do not have their hearing aids, sound amplifiers with headphones or earbuds help them engage in their care. Patients with low vision are offered magnifying glasses to read forms, signs, or notes from loved ones. When words are hard to find, small whiteboards, dry-erase markers, pictogram cards, and coloring pads turn silence into expression — and offer a calming outlet.

This initiative began in 2024 and continues to evolve. The Care Experience Team chair Christian Custodio, BSN, RN (Unit Chair), Ferdinand Mabaet, BSN, RN (Unit Chair Elect), Sengamo Sakana, MSN, RN (Assistant Nurse Manager), and Anna Wang, BSN, RN, ensures the toolbox is actively used and consistently stocked through a restocking system maintained by unit assistant and administrative coordinators.

Using this simple innovative toolbox, the impact is clear as demonstrated by smoother interactions, reduced frustration, and more meaningful engagement with patients who might otherwise struggle to communicate. Whether it’s a whisper, a scribble, or a smile, the Communication Toolbox helps every patient in 1 South feel seen, heard and understood.