TY - JOUR
T1 - Tracheostomy care and communication during COVID-19
T2 - Global interprofessional perspectives
AU - Moser, Chandler H.
AU - Freeman-Sanderson, Amy
AU - Keeven, Emily
AU - Higley, Kylie A.
AU - Ward, Erin
AU - Brenner, Michael J.
AU - Pandian, Vinciya
N1 - Funding Information:
This study was funded by The National Institutes of Health [grant number 5-R017433 ], and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences , TriService Nursing Research Program [grant number 11052-N2103GR ].
Funding Information:
This research was sponsored by the TriService Nursing Research Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences; however, the information or content and conclusions do not necessarily represent the official position or policy of, nor should any official endorsement be inferred by, the TriService Nursing Research Program, the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2021
PY - 2022/3/1
Y1 - 2022/3/1
N2 - Objective: Investigate healthcare providers, caregivers, and patient perspectives on tracheostomy care barriers during COVID-19. Study design: Cross-sectional anonymous survey Setting: Global Tracheostomy Collaborative Learning Community Methods: A 17-item questionnaire was electronically distributed, assessing demographic and occupational data; challenges in ten domains of tracheostomy care; and perceptions regarding knowledge and preparedness for navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Respondents (n = 115) were from 20 countries, consisting of patients/caregivers (10.4%) and healthcare professionals (87.0%), including primarily otolaryngologists (20.9%), nurses (24.3%), speech-language pathologists (18.3%), respiratory therapists (11.3%), and other physicians (12.2%). The most common tracheostomy care problem was inability to communicate (33.9%), followed by mucus plugging and wound care. Need for information on how to manage cuffs and initiate speech trials was rated highly by most respondents, along with other technical and knowledge areas. Access to care and disposable supplies were also prominent concerns, reflecting competition between community needs for routine tracheostomy supplies and shortages in intensive care units. Integrated teamwork was reported in 40 to 67% of respondents, depending on geography. Forty percent of respondents reported concern regarding personal protective equipment (PPE), and 70% emphasized proper PPE use. Conclusion: While safety concerns, centering on personal protective equipment and pandemic resources are prominent concerns in COVID-19 tracheostomy care, patient-centered concerns must also be prioritized. Communication and speech, adequate supplies, and care standards are critical considerations in tracheostomy. Stakeholders in tracheostomy care can partner to identify creative solutions for delays in restoring communication, supply disruptions, and reduced access to tracheostomy care in both inpatient and community settings.
AB - Objective: Investigate healthcare providers, caregivers, and patient perspectives on tracheostomy care barriers during COVID-19. Study design: Cross-sectional anonymous survey Setting: Global Tracheostomy Collaborative Learning Community Methods: A 17-item questionnaire was electronically distributed, assessing demographic and occupational data; challenges in ten domains of tracheostomy care; and perceptions regarding knowledge and preparedness for navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Respondents (n = 115) were from 20 countries, consisting of patients/caregivers (10.4%) and healthcare professionals (87.0%), including primarily otolaryngologists (20.9%), nurses (24.3%), speech-language pathologists (18.3%), respiratory therapists (11.3%), and other physicians (12.2%). The most common tracheostomy care problem was inability to communicate (33.9%), followed by mucus plugging and wound care. Need for information on how to manage cuffs and initiate speech trials was rated highly by most respondents, along with other technical and knowledge areas. Access to care and disposable supplies were also prominent concerns, reflecting competition between community needs for routine tracheostomy supplies and shortages in intensive care units. Integrated teamwork was reported in 40 to 67% of respondents, depending on geography. Forty percent of respondents reported concern regarding personal protective equipment (PPE), and 70% emphasized proper PPE use. Conclusion: While safety concerns, centering on personal protective equipment and pandemic resources are prominent concerns in COVID-19 tracheostomy care, patient-centered concerns must also be prioritized. Communication and speech, adequate supplies, and care standards are critical considerations in tracheostomy. Stakeholders in tracheostomy care can partner to identify creative solutions for delays in restoring communication, supply disruptions, and reduced access to tracheostomy care in both inpatient and community settings.
KW - COVID-19
KW - Healthcare professional
KW - Survey
KW - Tracheostomy
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U2 - 10.1016/j.amjoto.2021.103354
DO - 10.1016/j.amjoto.2021.103354
M3 - Article
C2 - 34968814
AN - SCOPUS:85121838396
SN - 0196-0709
VL - 43
JO - American Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Medicine and Surgery
JF - American Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Medicine and Surgery
IS - 2
M1 - 103354
ER -