Patients with tracheostomy require comprehensive care which should begin in the preoperative phase and go through immediate postoperative and discharge phases with patient involvement as well. The authors assessed this with a multicentre, cross-sectional survey using a mailing list held by the Global Tracheostomy Collaborative. This global survey involved ENT surgeons, specialist nurses, respiratory therapists, speech and language therapists, and family and patient champions. These practitioners completed an electronic survey and then participated in two webinars.
It was found that only 23% of these participant’s organisations offered patients meeting people with tracheostomy preoperatively and only 31 percent familiarised patients with full nursing and equipment needs at the time of discharge, which was often delayed.
Patient and family involvement in the care was low, though slightly better for paediatric patients. The study makes an interesting revelation and emphasises the need for patient-centred and patient-led outcomes in this significant aspect of healthcare.
