Tracheostomy in infants: parent education for home care

Management of respiratory problems in children on home invasive mechanical ventilation

The management of respiratory problems in children on home invasive mechanical ventilation (HIMV) is a complex and challenging task. In recent years, with appropriate family education, these patients have been able to be discharged from the hospital and continue their treatment at home. The population of pediatric patients dependent on HIMV has been increasing worldwide, presenting unique and varying care needs. Management of these patients involves addressing ventilator settings, monitoring respiratory status, ensuring airway safety, and providing continuous support and education to patients and their caregivers. Despite the completion of home settings and family education, children on HIMV may encounter various respiratory problems during home follow-up. Prevention and timely management of these complications are crucial to improving patient outcomes. This article summarizes the most significant respiratory problems in children on HIMV and the management strategies for each problem are discussed, emphasizing the importance of appropriate aspiration techniques, regular monitoring, adequate training of caregivers, and a well-prepared emergency plan.

Transitioning children using home invasive mechanical ventilation from hospital to home: Discharge criteria, disparities, and ethical considerations

Children using home invasive mechanical ventilation (HIMV), a valuable therapeutic option for chronic respiratory failure, constitute a growing population. Transitioning children using HIMV from hospital to home care is a complex process that requires a multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare professionals, caregivers, and community resources. Medical stability, caregiver competence, and home environment suitability are essential factors in determining discharge readiness. Caregiver education and training play a pivotal role in ensuring safe and effective home care. Simulation training and staged education progression are effective strategies for equipping caregivers with necessary skills. Resource limitations, inadequate home nursing support, and disparities in available community resources are common obstacles to successful HIMV discharge. International perspectives shed light on diverse healthcare systems and challenges faced by caregivers worldwide. While standardizing guidelines for HIMV discharge may be complex, collaboration among healthcare providers and the development of evidence-based regional guidelines can improve outcomes for children using HIMV and their caregivers. This review seeks to synthesize literature, provide expert guidance based on experience, and highlight components to safely discharge children using HIMV. It further assesses disparities and divergences within regional and international healthcare systems while addressing relevant ethical considerations.

Digital education-supported telehealth intervention in mothers of children with tracheostomy: A quasi-experimental study

PURPOSE

The burden of care is high for parents of children with special care needs. Mothers need to be supported in home care to reduce the burden of care. This study aimed to determine the effects of providing digital education-supported telehealth application to mothers of children with tracheostomy receiving home care on the development of complications, hospital admission, care burden, and knowledge level of mothers.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A one-group quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest study. The study was conducted with mothers of children with tracheostomy in the pediatric pulmonology outpatient clinic of a university hospital (n = 37). Digital education-supported telehealth application was provided to mothers. The digitally assisted education intervention lasted 6 weeks. Data were collected using the Child and Mother Identification Form, Complication Development Follow-up Form, Hospital Admission Follow-up Form, Caregiver Burden Scale (CBS), and Tracheostomy Care Knowledge Evaluation Questionnaire. The data were collected at three time points: before, immediately after, and 3 months after the education. For data analysis, repeated-measures analysis of variance and the Shapiro-Wilk, Friedman's, and Cochran's Q tests were used.

RESULTS

In the study, 51% of the mothers were aged between 31 and 40 years; 56% of children were male and 37% were aged ≤3 years. A total of 62% of children aged ≥25 months received respiratory support through home care with tracheostomy and mechanical ventilator. There was no significant difference between the mean number of complications (p = 0.286) and number of hospital admissions (p = 0.079) in the pretest, posttest, and follow-up measurements. The mean CBS score of the mothers decreased in the pretest (36.08 ± 12.04), posttest (33.27 ± 9.58), and follow-up (32.76 ± 11.18) measurements; however, there was no significant difference (p = 0.058). The mean Tracheostomy Care Knowledge Level posttest (13.73 ± 1.28) and follow-up (13.97 ± 1.14) scores increased significantly compared with the pretest (12.14 ± 1.55) scores (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The digital education-supported telehealth application provided to mothers reduced their care burden and increased their knowledge level. There was no change in the number of complications and hospital admissions.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Digital education-supported telehealth intervention, applied to parents of children requiring special care, is an effective and easy-to-access nursing intervention in reducing the burden of care.

Perioperative and Long-Term Outcomes in Infants Undergoing a Tracheostomy from a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for perioperative complications and long-term morbidity in infants from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) presenting for a tracheostomy.

METHODS

This single-center retrospective cohort study included infants in the NICU presenting for a tracheostomy from August 2011 to December 2019. Primary outcomes were categorized as either a perioperative complication or long-term morbidity. A severe perioperative complication was defined as having either (1) an intraoperative cardiopulmonary arrest, (2) an intraoperative death, (3) a postoperative cardiopulmonary arrest within 30 days of the procedure, or (4) a postoperative death within 30 days of the procedure. Long-term morbidities included (1) the need for gastrostomy tube placement within the tracheostomy hospitalization and (2) the need for diuretic therapy, pulmonary hypertensive therapy, oxygen, or mechanical ventilation at 12 and 24 months following the tracheostomy.

RESULTS

One-hundred eighty-three children underwent a tracheostomy. The mean age at tracheostomy was 16.9 weeks while the mean post-conceptual age at tracheostomy was 49.7 weeks. The incidence of severe perioperative complications was 4.4% (n = 8) with the number of pulmonary hypertension medication classes preoperatively (OR: 3.64, 95% CI: (1.44-8.94), p = 0.005) as a significant risk factor. Approximately 81% of children additionally had a gastrostomy tube placed at the time of the tracheostomy, and 62% were ventilator-dependent 2 years following their tracheostomy.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides critical perioperative complications and long-term morbidity data to neonatologists, pediatricians, surgeons, anesthesiologists, and families in the expected course of infants from the NICU presenting for a tracheostomy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 134:1945-1954, 2024.

Tracheostomy-related durable medical equipment: Insurance coverage, gaps, and barriers

PURPOSE

Tracheostomy care is supply- and resource-intensive, and airway-related adverse events in community settings have high rates of readmission and mortality. Devices are often implicated in harm, but little is known about insurance coverage, gaps, and barriers to obtaining tracheostomy-related medically necessary durable medical equipment. We aimed to identify barriers patients may encounter in procuring tracheostomy-related durable medical equipment through insurance plan coverage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Tracheostomy-related durable medical equipment provisions were evaluated across insurers, extracting data via structured telephone interviews and web-based searches. Each insurance company was contacted four times and queried iteratively regarding the range of coverage and co-pay policies. Outcome measures include call duration, consistency of explanation of benefits, and the number of transfers and disconnects. We also identified six qualitative themes from patient interviews.

RESULTS

Tracheostomy-related durable medical equipment coverage was offered in some form by 98.1 % (53/54) of plans across 11 insurers studied. Co-pays or deductibles were required in 42.6 % (23/54). There was significant variability in out-of-pocket expenditures. Fixed co-pays ranged from $0-30, and floating co-pays ranged from 0 to 40 %. During phone interviews, mean call duration was 19 ± 10 min, with an average of 2 ± 1 transfers between agents. Repeated calls revealed high information variability (mean score 2.4 ± 1.5). Insurance sites proved challenging to navigate, scoring poorly on usability, literacy, and information quality.

CONCLUSIONS

Several factors may limit access to potentially life-saving durable medical equipment for patients with tracheostomy. Barriers include out-of-pocket expenditures, lack of transparency on coverage, and low-quality information. Further research is necessary to evaluate patient outcomes.

Factors influencing quality of life in children with tracheostomy with emphasis on home care visits: a multi-centre investigation

OBJECTIVE

Only a few studies have assessed the quality of life in children with tracheostomies. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of life and the factors influencing it in these children.

METHOD

This cross-sectional, two-centre study was conducted on paediatric patients living in the community with a tracheostomy by using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. Clinical and demographic information of patients, as well as parents' socioeconomic factors, were obtained.

RESULTS

A total of 53 patients met our inclusion criteria, and their parents agreed to participate. The mean age of patients was 6.85 years, and 21 patients were ventilator-dependent. The total paediatric health-related quality of life score was 59.28, and the family impact score was 68.49. In non-ventilator-dependent patients, multivariate analyses indicated that social functioning and health-related quality of life were negatively affected by the duration of tracheostomy. The Quality of Life of ventilator-dependent patients was influenced by care visits and the presence of pulmonary co-morbidities.

CONCLUSION

Children with tracheostomies have a lower quality of life than healthy children do. Routine care visits by a respiratory therapist and nurses yielded significantly improved quality of life in ventilator-dependent children.

Interdisciplinary assessment of tracheostomy care knowledge: An opportunity for quality improvement

PURPOSE

A 2013 AAOHNS consensus statement called for reduced variation in tracheostomy care. Multidisciplinary approaches and standardized protocols have been shown to improve tracheostomy outcomes. This study aims to identify inconsistencies in knowledge in order to design standardized education targeting these areas to improve quality of care.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An online, multiple-choice tracheostomy care knowledge assessment was administered to nurses and respiratory therapists in ICUs, stepdown units, and regular nursing floors, as well as residents in otolaryngology, general surgery, and thoracic surgery. The survey was administered and data were recorded using the Select Survey online platform.

RESULTS

173 nurses, respiratory therapists, and residents participated in this study. Over 75 % of respondents identified correct answers to questions addressing basic tracheostomy care, such as suctioning and humidification. Significant variation was observed in identification and management of tracheostomy emergencies, and appropriate use of speaking valves. Only 47 % of all respondents identified all potential signs of tracheostomy tube displacement. Respiratory therapists with over 20 years of experience (p = 0.001), were more likely to answer correctly than those with less. Nurses were less likely than respiratory therapists to have received standardized tracheostomy education (p = 0.006) and were less likely than others to choose the appropriate scenario for speaking valve use (p = 0.042), highlighting the need for interdisciplinary education.

CONCLUSIONS

An interdisciplinary assessment of tracheostomy care knowledge demonstrates variation, especially in identification and management of tracheostomy emergencies and appropriate use of speaking valves. Design of a standardized educational program targeting these areas is underway.

Evaluating YouTube as a source of patient information for pediatric tracheostomy care

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate YouTube's usefulness as a source of information concerning pediatric tracheostomy care.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

On August 10, 2022, the top 50 YouTube search results for "pediatric tracheostomy care" were displayed. Each video was evaluated by a jury of three otolaryngologists with at least 2 years of professional experience in pediatric otolaryngology using DISCERN, scoring system of Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), and the Global Quality Score (GQS).

RESULTS

After exclusion criteria 24 videos were evaluated. Fifteen of the evaluated videos were produced by health professionals, and the other nine videos were produced by independent users. The average duration of the videos were 337.5 s, varying between 82 s and 1364 s. The average Discern score of videos produced by health professionals was 38.9 ± 13, compared to 36.6 ± 14 for independent users. The mean JAMA score was 1.04 ± 0.68 for health professionals and 1.11 ± 0.94 for independent users. The GQS score was 2.82 ± 0.73 for health professionals and 3.19 ± 0.84 for independent users. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups for Discern, JAMA, and GQS scoring.

CONCLUSION

YouTube does not seem to be a good option for parents to get useful information about pediatric tracheostomy care at this time. Health professionals should provide websites with high-quality materials to improve awareness of pediatric tracheostomy care.

Assessing Competence With a Task Trainer: Validity Evidence for Novel Tracheostomy Care Skills Assessment Tool

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to develop a caregiver and healthcare provider assessment tool to evaluate essential tracheostomy skills using a simulated task trainer.

METHODS

Three tracheostomy skill checklists were developed: closed suctioning, open suctioning, and tracheostomy change. Checklist items were developed based on institutional guidelines and a literature review. Items were revised based on iterative expert review and pilot testing. A total of 64 intensive care staff and 24 caregivers were evaluated using the checklists, of which 29 staff members and 4 caregivers were rated simultaneously by 2 raters to estimate interrater reliability. The relationships between checklist performance and staff demographics (experience and discipline) were calculated. A survey examining the selection of automatic fail items and minimum passing score was sent to 660 multidisciplinary staff members.

RESULTS

Intraclass correlations were 0.93 for closed suctioning, 0.93 for open suctioning, and 0.76 for tracheostomy change. Staff performance only correlated with experience for the tracheostomy change checklist and was inconsistently associated with discipline (respiratory therapy vs nursing). A large, multidisciplinary survey with 132 of 660 respondents confirmed the selection of automatic fail items and minimum passing score. A total of 92.9% of the survey respondents agreed with a minimum passing score of 80%.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed 3 essential tracheostomy skill checklists with multiple sources of validity evidence to support their use in a simulation-based assessment of tracheostomy skills.

Impact of emergency management in a simulated home environment for caregivers of children who are tracheostomy dependent

PURPOSE

Children who are tracheostomy dependent require comprehensive caregiver preparation for safe hospital-to-home transition. Although a structured discharge education program successfully trained caregivers to provide routine daily tracheostomy care, emergency response training was limited, lacking realistic experiences. Initiation of simulated emergency training for caregivers indicated performance confusion related to tracheostomy cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This study evaluated the effectiveness of an evidence-based tracheostomy CPR education intervention via caregiver participation in a high-fidelity simulation of a home-based emergency scenario on the performance of essential behaviors, comfort, and satisfaction.

DESIGN AND METHODS

The study utilized a prospective descriptive pre- and post interventional design; 44 caregivers of children who were tracheostomy dependent participated. All caregiver participants completed: video- and instructor-assisted specialized tracheostomy CPR class, high-fidelity simulation performance of a home-based emergency (respiratory failure with cardiac arrest), postsimulation video debriefing, performance assessment with an objective scoring rubric, and pre- and post simulation surveys on levels of comfort and satisfaction.

RESULTS

On the performance of essential emergency management behaviors, 86.4% of caregivers performed all four behaviors, but only 36.4% performed these essential behaviors in order. Post simulation caregiver comfort with emergency management significantly increased from pre simulation (p = .001). All caregivers were satisfied with this training and would recommend simulation of home-based emergencies for all caregivers. Qualitative feedback from caregivers revealed themes of gratitude and the importance of hands-on practice with guided debriefing/feedback. Study power was 0.98.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Objective evaluation of caregiver performance demonstrated specialized tracheostomy CPR education prepared caregivers to respond in a home emergency. Caregivers viewed simulation as an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and improve emergency responses. It may be beneficial for other similar programs to include specialized tracheostomy CPR and emergency scenario simulation in their discharge education protocols and subsequently compare this program to other similar programs to establish best practice guidelines.

Hospital training and preparedness of parents and carers in paediatric tracheostomy care: A mixed methods study

INTRODUCTION

Within the UK, the majority of paediatric tracheostomy care is delivered by parents and carers at home. To facilitate this, extensive in-hospital training is delivered by a variety of health care professionals. Our goal was to assess carer perceptions of this process and highlight areas in which we can further improve our service and the training for other hospital providers of paediatric tracheostomy care.

METHODS

A mixed method approach was adopted. In Phase I, qualitative data from five semi-structured interviews with carers of children with a tracheostomy were thematically analysed and subsequently used to develop a questionnaire. In Phase II, the piloted questionnaire was distributed via telephone, email or post to all eligible caregivers who had been tracheostomy trained at GOSH in the last three years (n = 92). Qualitative and quantitative data were analysed using thematic analysis and descriptive statistics respectively.

RESULTS

Thirty-five completed questionnaires were received (38% response rate). Overall participants were highly satisfied with the training provided (mean score 8.42 on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest)). Carer identified areas requiring improvement were caregiver education pre-tracheostomy; emergency and complication training; supervision and training post hospital discharge; training schedule; emotional support; and support from community healthcare teams. These findings led to multiple subsequent interventions to further improve the carer training programme including training videos, psychology provision on request and increased community training.

CONCLUSION

Although the evaluation of the service revealed high participant satisfaction in home carer training overall, in-depth analysis of caregivers' experiences indicated common themes in the tracheostomy training service where further support would be beneficial. A carer-centred rather than health professional focus on training needs will allow future attention to be directed to areas of need identified by carers themselves as important to improve the tracheostomy training programme.

Impact of COVID-19 on carers of children with tracheostomies

OBJECTIVES

To explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the experiences of caregivers of children with tracheostomies.

DESIGN

Qualitative semistructured interviews.

SETTING

All participants were currently, or had previously cared for, a tracheostomised child who had attended a tertiary care centre in the North of England. Health professionals were purposively sampled to include accounts from a range of professions from primary, community, secondary and tertiary care.

PARTICIPANTS

Carers of children with tracheostomies (n=34), including health professionals (n=17) and parents (n=17).

INTERVENTIONS

Interviews were undertaken between July 2020 and February 2021 by telephone or video link.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Qualitative reflexive thematic analysis with QSR NVivo V.12.

RESULTS

The pandemic has presented an additional and, for some, substantial challenge when caring for tracheostomised children, but this was not always felt to be the most overriding concern. Interviews demonstrated rapid adaptation, normalisation and varying degrees of stoicism and citizenship around constantly changing pandemic-related requirements, rules and regulations. This paper focuses on four key themes: 'reconceptualising safe care and safe places'; 'disrupted support and isolation'; 'relationships, trust and communication'; and 'coping with uncertainty and shifting boundaries of responsibility'. These are described within the context of the impact on the child, the emotional and physical well-being of carers and the challenges to maintaining the values of family-centred care.

CONCLUSIONS

As we move to the next phase of the pandemic, we need to understand the impact on vulnerable groups so that their needs can be prioritised.

"You Never Exhale Fully Because You're Not Sure What's NEXT": Parents' Experiences of Stress Caring for Children With Chronic Conditions

Children with chronic conditions are experiencing improved survival worldwide, and it is well-known that their parents are stressed. Yet, despite this knowledge, parents continue to experience stress. Our study explored the lived experience of parental stress when caring for children with various chronic conditions to identify opportunities to potentially reduce stress for these parents. This was an exploratory qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. To ensure appropriate research priorities were addressed, the study was co-designed with consumer and stakeholder involvement. Twenty parents were interviewed. Parents were recruited through a recognized family support organization for children with various care needs in Western Australia. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, anonymized, and analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Two superordinate themes were identified: (1) Gut instinct to tipping point included parents as unheard experts and their experiences of stress and becoming overwhelmed. (2) Losses and gains covered the parents' identity and relationship challenges and coping strategies with their children's unpredictable conditions. Parents' experiences of stress caring for children with chronic conditions can be applied to the Job-Demand Control-Support Model for occupational stress. Not only does this application provide a useful framework for practitioners but it adds a unique perspective that reflects the dual role of parents in caring for their children with chronic conditions as a parent but also a professional with a 24/7 workload. The parents' experiences highlight a need for improved support access, effective communication between parents and health care professionals, discharge preparation and information provision, and regular screening of parental stress with a referral pathway.

The ISPAT project: Implementation of a standardized training program for caregivers of children with tracheostomy

BACKGROUND

Tracheostomy-related morbidity and mortality mainly occur due to decannulation, misplacement, or obstruction of the tube. A standardized training can improve the skills and confidence of the caregivers in tracheostomy care (TC).

OBJECTIVE

Our primary aim was to evaluate the efficiency of standardized training program on the knowledge and skills (changing-suctioning the tracheostomy tube) of the participants regarding TC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty-five caregivers of children with tracheostomy were included. First, participants were evaluated with written test about TC and participated in the practical tests. Then, they were asked to participate in a standardized training session, including theoretical and practical parts. Baseline and postintervention assessments were compared through written and practical tests conducted on the same day.

RESULTS

A significant improvement was observed in the written test score after the training. The median number of correct answers of the written test including 23 questions increased 26%, from 12 to 18 (p < .001). The median number of correct steps in tracheostomy tube change (from 9 to 16 correct steps out of 16 steps, 44% increase) and suctioning the tracheostomy tube (from 9 to 17 correct steps out of 18 steps, 44% increase) also improved significantly after the training (p < .001, for both).

CONCLUSION

Theoretical courses and practical hands-on-training (HOT) courses are highly effective in improving the practices in TC. A standardized training program including HOT should be implemented before discharge from the hospital. Still there is a need to assess the impact of the program on tracheostomy-related complications, morbidity, and mortality in the long term.

Implementation of an Online Multimedia Pediatric Tracheostomy Care Module for Healthcare Providers

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To investigate the effect of a multimedia educational module on provider attitudes toward pediatric tracheostomy care. We also describe the process of module development and dissemination at an academic children's hospital.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

METHODS

The pediatric airway committee at an urban tertiary care center developed a multimedia pediatric tracheostomy care module. Nurses, respiratory therapists, as well as resident, fellow, and attending physicians caring for pediatric patients with tracheostomies were eligible. Managers and clinical supervisors from various units recruited participants to complete the pediatric tracheostomy care electronic module and pre- and postassessment knowledge quizzes and surveys. Provider confidence was analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis H-test and Mann-Whitney U-test, and paired t-test was used to compare pre- and postmodule quiz scores.

RESULTS

A total of 422 participants completed the module. A total of 275 participants completed the premodule survey, 385 completed the premodule quiz, 253 completed the postmodule survey, and 233 completed the postmodule quiz. Participants included providers in the neonatal intensive care unit, pediatric intensive care unit, pediatric emergency department, and pediatric wards. Postmodule surveys demonstrated a significant reduction in the average percentage of participants indicating lack of confidence with regards to changing an established tracheostomy, responding to accidental decannulation of established tracheostomy, and responding to accidental decannulation of fresh tracheostomy (P < .001). Average quiz scores increased by 5.6 points from 83.0% to 88.6% (P < .00001).

CONCLUSIONS

A multimedia educational module can improve provider perception of their knowledge and confidence surrounding pediatric tracheostomy management.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 131:1893-1901, 2021.

Promoting parental education of infants hospitalized in a children's hospital in Tabriz, Iran: a best practice implementation project

INTRODUCTION

Parents of infants admitted to hospital have high information needs. A good educational program will improve the outcomes and communication needs of these parents. Results from some studies have shown that patient education in Iran is inappropriate and should be improved.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this evidence implementation project was to evaluate the current practice and implement the best practice related to promoting patient education in a children's hospital in Tabriz, Iran.

METHODS

A clinical audit was undertaken using the Joanna Briggs Institute Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System tool. Eight audit criteria that represent the best practice recommendations for patient education were used. A baseline audit was conducted followed by implementing multiple strategies, and the project was finalized with a follow-up audit to determine a change in practice.

RESULTS

Significant improvements in the follow-up audit in comparison with the baseline audit were as follows: evaluation of patient learning has been undertaken to determine met and unmet needs (from 65 to 77%); patients' learning needs, readiness to learn, and their learning style have been assessed before the implementation of an educational initiative (from 55 to 66%); and educational resources in different formats (e.g., written handouts, brochures, and links to online materials) are available in the ward (from 33 to 77%). Strategies that were implemented to achieve change in practice included conducting workshops and conferences, determining a trained nurse as responsible for educating parents, training in discharge time, the presentation of educational films daily, conducting group training, and installing related posters in the department and patient's room. The other five criteria were less compliant with best practice in the follow-up audit rather than the baseline audit; however, all of them except one (Criterion 3) were still up to 75% compliant, which is considered excellent by the audit team.

CONCLUSION

The follow-up audit results indicated an improvement in providing parental education. It can be concluded that these interventions can facilitate the implementation of evidence into clinical practice.

Identifying Caregiver Needs for Children With a Tracheostomy Living at Home

This study sought to understand caregiver needs of children with tracheostomies (CWT) living at home and inform development of standardized tracheostomy simulation training curricula. Long-term goals are decreasing hospital readmissions following tracheostomy placement and improving family experiences while implementing a medical home model. We recruited caregivers of CWT and conducted semistructured interviews, subsequently recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for emerging themes using NVivo. Demographic data were collected via quantitative surveys. Twenty-seven caregivers participated. Emerging themes included the following: (1) caregivers felt overwhelmed, sad, frightened when learning need for tracheostomy; (2) training described as adequate, but individualized training desired; (3) families felt prepared to go home, but transition was difficult; (4) home nursing care fraught with difficulty and yet essential for families of CWT. Families of CWT have specific needs related to discharge training, resources, support, and home nursing. Provider understanding of caregiver needs is essential for child well-being, patient-/family-centered care, and may improve health outcomes.

Social support of families with tracheostomized children

ABSTRACT Objective: To understand the social support of families with tracheostomized children. Method: Qualitative study using the Model of Dimensions of Social Support together with the Family System-Illness model as theoretical frameworks, based on the hybrid model of thematic analysis. Nine families with tracheostomized children were interviewed in an outpatient pediatric otorhinolaryngology department of a public hospital in the inner state of São Paulo. Results: The experience of social support to each phase of the family experience was presented in three themes: “Knowing the need for a tracheostomy”, “Performing a tracheostomy” and “Living with a tracheostomy”. Final considerations: Understanding how the experience of social support occurs can support assessment and intervention strategies, aiming to meet the demands of the family at each phase of its trajectory, collaborating for a continuous and integral nursing care.

Preparing families to care for ventilated infants at home

Advances in neonatal care have led to increased survival of infants with complex medical needs and technology dependence. Transition of the ventilator-dependent infant from hospital to home is a complex process that requires extensive coordination between the medical team and family. Home caregivers must be prepared to provide routine care for the ventilator-dependent child and respond to life-threatening emergencies. Families should be counseled on the need for home nursing, medical equipment and an adequate home environment to ensure a safe transition to home. Throughout the process, the family may require financial, social and psychological support. A structured education and transition process that is clearly communicated to parents is necessary to have an effective partnership with families.

Neonatal Tracheostomy

Neonatal and infant tracheostomies have been valuable in the care and survival of children over the past century. With the implementation of neonatal and pediatric intensive care units, more infants are surviving conditions that were considered fatal. Neonatal tracheostomy plays a vital role in many of these conditions, with significant implications and association with overall mortality, morbidity, and developmental outcomes. Although the technique has not changed much, there have been significant evolutions in indications, survival, complications, and technological advances. Improved outcomes research to decrease the high associated morbidities is needed.

The Role of the Medical Social Worker in a Pediatric Aero-Digestive Program

Families experience many psycho-social challenges when caring for a child with a tracheostomy in the home. The support of a Medical Social Worker in a Pediatric Aero-digestive Program is vitally important to help families navigate the multiple systems required to help manage the needs of medically complex child. The Medical Social Worker should strive to partner with families to provide resources and coordinate care to enhance coping and improve overall patient care and well-being.

Performance of a tracheostomy removal protocol for pediatric patients in rehabilitation after acquired brain injury: Factors associated with timing and possibility of decannulation

OBJECTIVES

We assessed the performance of a tracheostomy decannulation protocol privileging safety over quickness, in pediatric patients undergoing rehabilitation from severe acquired brain injury. We analyzed factors associated with decannulation timing and possibility and examined cases of failure.

HYPOTHESIS

A safe decannulation protocol should minimize failures.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective observational study.

PATIENT SELECTION

Patients aged 0-17 admitted to rehabilitation with tracheostomy in the last 15 years (n = 123).

METHODOLOGY

We collected data on clinical and respiratory conditions at admittance, during the first rehabilitation stay and following follow-up controls. We described the sample and tested associations of several factors with the possibility to decannulate patients during either the first stay or follow-up. We described failures, defined as the cases in which tracheostomy tube had to be placed back immediately or after less than 1 month from removal.

RESULTS

At admittance, 93.5% patients were dysphagic and 37.9% had respiratory complications (mainly accumulation of supraglottic secretions). At first discharge, dysphagia was reduced (62.1%) and respiratory complications increased (41.1%). Tracheostomy was removed during the first stay in 55.3% patients, during follow-up in 13%, without failures among the 80 patients who followed the protocol. Four decannulations performed against protocol recommendations resulted in three failures. Decannulation was mainly prevented by the persistence of respiratory complications and dysphagia that constituted a relevant risk of aspiration and suffocation; decannulation was mainly postponed because of respiratory complications and breath-holding spells in very young children.

CONCLUSIONS

By applying a decannulation protocol that privileges safety over quickness, we encountered no failure. Respiratory complications and dysphagia that lead to supraglottic stagnation, and breath-holding spells, are key elements to consider before performing decannulation in pediatric patients.

Role of the multidisciplinary team in the care of the tracheostomy patient

Tracheostomies are used to provide artificial airways for increasingly complex patients for a variety of indications. Patients and their families are dependent on knowledgeable multidisciplinary staff, including medical, nursing, respiratory physiotherapy and speech and language therapy staff, dieticians and psychologists, from a wide range of specialty backgrounds. There is increasing evidence that coordinated tracheostomy multidisciplinary teams can influence the safety and quality of care for patients and their families. This article reviews the roles of these team members and highlights the potential for improvements in care.

Standardizing Care and Parental Training to Improve Training Duration, Referral Frequency, and Length of Stay: Our Quality Improvement Project Experience

OBJECTIVES

At our institution, there is a six bed Pediatric Respiratory Care Unit for technology dependent infants and children with a tracheostomy tube. A lack of consistency in patient care and parent/guardian education prompted our group to critically evaluate the services we provided by revisiting our teaching protocol and instituting a new model of care in the Unit. The aims of this quality improvement (QI) project were to standardize care and skills proficiency training to parents of infants with a tracheostomy tube in preparation for discharge to home.

METHODS

After conducting a current state survey of key unit stakeholders, we initiated a multidisciplinary, QI project to answer the question: 'could a standardized approach to care and training lead to a decrease in parental/guardian training time, a decrease in length of stay, and/or an increase in developmental interventions for infants with tracheostomy tubes'? A convenience sample of infants with a tracheostomy tube admitted to the Pediatric Respiratory Care Unit were included in the study. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the results.

RESULTS

Through this QI approach, we were able to decrease the time required by parents to achieve proficiency in the care of a technology dependent infant, the length of stay for these infants, and increase referral of the infants for developmental assessment.

CONCLUSIONS

These outcomes have implications for how to approach deficiencies in patient care and make changes that lead to sustained improvements.

Neonates and Infants Discharged Home Dependent on Medical Technology: Characteristics and Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Preterm neonates and neonates with complex conditions admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) may require medical technology (eg, supplemental oxygen, feeding tubes) for their continued survival at hospital discharge. Medical technology introduces another layer of complexity for parents, including specialized education about neonatal assessment and operation of technology. The transition home presents a challenge for parents and has been linked with greater healthcare utilization.

PURPOSE

To determine incidence, characteristics, and healthcare utilization outcomes (emergency room visits, rehospitalizations) of technology-dependent neonates and infants following initial discharge from the hospital.

METHODS

This descriptive, correlational study used retrospective medical record review to examine technology-dependent neonates (N = 71) upon discharge home. Study variables included demographic characteristics, hospital length of stay, and type of medical technology used. Analysis of neonates (n = 22) with 1-year postdischarge data was conducted to identify relationships with healthcare utilization. Descriptive and regression analyses were performed.

FINDINGS

Approximately 40% of the technology-dependent neonates were between 23 and 26 weeks' gestation, with birth weight of less than 1000 g. Technologies used most frequently were supplemental oxygen (66%) and feeding tubes (46.5%). The mean total hospital length of stay for technology-dependent versus nontechnology-dependent neonates was 108.6 and 25.7 days, respectively. Technology-dependent neonates who were female, with a gastrostomy tube, or with longer initial hospital length of stay were at greater risk for rehospitalization.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Assessment and support of families, particularly mothers of technology-dependent neonates following initial hospital discharge, are vital.

IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH

Longitudinal studies to determine factors affecting long-term outcomes of technology-dependent infants are needed.

Paediatric tracheostomy and ventilation home care with challenging socio-economic circumstances in South Africa

BACKGROUND

Children discharged home with a tracheostomy need a safe home environment and access to health care. We described the indications, clinical characteristics, socio-economic circumstances and outcomes of children enroled in a tracheostomy home care programme in South Africa.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review of children receiving a tracheostomy and enroled in the Breatheasy programme at the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town. Medical and background characteristics were recorded. Influences of socio-economic variables and underlying medical conditions on length of hospital stay, unplanned readmissions and mortality in the first year after discharge were evaluated.

RESULTS

In the period 2008-2012, 157 patients were discharged home with a tracheostomy. Median hospital stay after tracheostomy insertion was significantly longer when parents had incomplete schooling compared to completed secondary school or higher education; 30 days (IQR 21-53) versus 23 days (IQR 16-33), respectively. Unplanned readmissions in the first year were documented for 72 patients (45.9%). The risk for unplanned readmission was 2.6 times higher in families with substance abuse the risk of respiratory infections was two-fold in case of household cigarette smoke exposure (OR 2.3.) Tracheostomy-related mortality was low (1.2%). An underlying medical condition was the only independent significant risk factor for mortality (OR 5.1, 95% CI 1.8-14.3).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that despite difficult socio-economic circumstances, home ventilation of children with a tracheostomy is safe, provided caregivers are adequately trained and supported.

Transition from NICU to Home: Are the Parents Ready to Manage Any Emergency? An Evidence-Based Project

Transitioning the care of a previously critically ill infant to home poses many challenges for the parents. Prior to the infant's discharge, the parents undergo rigorous training to continue the care of their infants at home. Even after training, parents may feel overwhelmed by the thought of managing an emergency at home. This evidence-based practice project aims to provide parents with additional hands-on practice of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) prior to their infant's discharge. Based on this project, a program of teaching CPR regularly is established currently in the NICU at Nemours Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children.

Life after Tracheostomy: Patient and Family Perspectives on Teaching, Transitions, and Multidisciplinary Teams

OBJECTIVE

To report patient/family experiences and outcomes after tracheostomy

STUDY DESIGN

International survey of patients and families with tracheostomy.

SETTING

Collaboration of the Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Committee of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and the Global Tracheostomy Collaborative.

METHODS

A 50-item survey was developed with multistakeholder collaboration. The survey was disseminated via international social networks used by patients with a tracheostomy and their families. Qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 220 respondents, 90% cared for a pediatric patient with a tracheostomy. Only 48% of respondents felt "very prepared" at time of discharge, and 11% did not receive emergency preparedness training prior to discharge. Home nursing needs were inadequately met in 17% of families, with resulting difficulties shortly after discharge; 14% sought emergent care within 1 week of discharge. Nearly half of respondents indicated a desire to have met with a patient with a tracheostomy prior to surgery but were not offered that opportunity. Fragmented care or limited teamwork was reported by 32% of respondents, whereas tracheotomy care was described as "integrated" or "maximally integrated" for 67%.

CONCLUSION

While many families report satisfaction with tracheostomy care, opportunities remain for improving care. This study highlights the importance of teaching, teamwork, and smoothing transition from the hospital. Potential quality improvement areas include standardizing tracheostomy teaching for routine and emergency needs and optimizing postdischarge support and coordination. Prior to surgery, connecting families to people with a tracheostomy may also be beneficial.

A five year retrospective study of short term respiratory support outcomes for infants who received tracheostomy before one year of age

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to describe respiratory support requirements at the time of hospital discharge for infants who undergo tracheostomy, and to determine whether certain indications for tracheostomy are significantly associated with ventilator or oxygen dependence at the time of discharge.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review identified 150 patients who underwent tracheostomy before 1 year of age at a single center from 2007 to 2012 and were discharged alive. Patients were divided into groups based on primary indication for tracheostomy: chronic lung disease (CLD); cardiac; airway anomalies (e.g., tracheomalacia, subglottic stenosis); anatomic anomalies of head, neck and chest; neuro/muscular; mixed group (>1 primary indication). Chi-squared tests were used to compare respiratory support requirements at time of discharge, as well as need for supplemental oxygen.

RESULTS

Of the 150 patients included in the study, three were discharged on room air alone. Of those 147 who did require some form of support at discharge, significant differences were found between groups when comparing CPAP to ventilator support. For example, of the patients with CLD, 82% were discharged on ventilator support whereas of those with a primary airway indication nearly 54% were discharged on CPAP. Significant differences were also found among groups when comparing patients discharged on room air vs. supplemental oxygen. Patients with CLD were more likely to be discharged on supplemental oxygen (p=0.001) whereas of the patients with anatomic indication 77% required no supplemental oxygen at the time of discharge.

CONCLUSION

Respiratory support needs at the time of discharge for neonates who underwent tracheostomy varied significantly depending on the initial indication for tracheostomy. Information about respiratory requirements of infants who undergo tracheostomy can help clinicians counsel families and anticipate post-discharge needs.

Clinical consensus statement: tracheostomy care

OBJECTIVE

This clinical consensus statement (CCS) aims to improve care for pediatric and adult patients with a tracheostomy tube. Approaches to tracheostomy care are currently inconsistent among clinicians and between different institutions. The goal is to reduce variations in practice when managing patients with a tracheostomy to minimize complications.

METHODS

A formal literature search was conducted to identify evidence gaps and refine the scope of this consensus statement. The modified Delphi method was used to refine expert opinion and facilitate a consensus position. Panel members were asked to complete 2 scale-based surveys addressing different aspects of pediatric and adult tracheostomy care. Each survey was followed by a conference call during which results were presented and statements discussed.

RESULTS

The panel achieved consensus on 77 statements; another 39 were dropped because of lack of consensus. Consensus was reached on statements that address initial tracheostomy tube change, management of emergencies and complications, prerequisites for decannulation, management of tube cuffs and communication devices, and specific patient and caregiver education needs.

CONCLUSION

The consensus panel agreed on statements that address the continuum of care, from initial tube management to complications in children and adults with a tracheostomy. The panel also highlighted areas where consensus could not be reached and where more research is needed. This consensus statement should be used by physicians, nurses, and other stakeholders caring for patients with a tracheostomy.