COVID-19 Transmission to Health Care Personnel During Tracheostomy Under a Multidisciplinary Safety Protocol

• Published in: American journal of critical care Vol. 31; no. 6; pp. 452 - e9
• Main Authors: Standiford, Taylor C, Farlow, Janice L, Brenner, Michael J, Blank, Ross, Rajajee, Venkatakrishna, Baldwin, Noel R, Chinn, Steven B, Cusac, Jessica A, De Cardenas, Jose, Malloy, Kelly M, McDonough, Kelli L, Napolitano, Lena M, Sjoding, Michael W, Stoneman, Emily K, Washer, Laraine L, Park, Pauline K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.11.2022
• Subjects: COVID-19; Delivery of Health Care; Humans; Personal Protective Equipment; SARS-CoV-2; Tracheostomy - adverse effects
• ISSN: 1062-3264; 1937-710X
• DOI: 10.4037/ajcc2022538

Tracheostomies are highly aerosolizing procedures yet are often indicated in patients with COVID-19 who require prolonged intubation. Robust investigations of the safety of tracheostomy protocols and provider adherence and evaluations are limited. To determine the rate of COVID-19 infection of health care personnel involved in COVID-19 tracheostomies under a multidisciplinary safety protocol and to investigate health care personnel's attitudes and suggested areas for improvement concerning the protocol. All health care personnel involved in tracheostomies in COVID-19-positive patients from April 9 through July 11, 2020, were sent a 22-item electronic survey. Among 107 health care personnel (80.5%) who responded to the survey, 5 reported a positive COVID-19 test result (n = 2) or symptoms of COVID-19 (n = 3) within 21 days of the tracheostomy. Respondents reported 100% adherence to use of adequate personal protective equipment. Most (91%) were familiar with the tracheostomy protocol and felt safe (92%) while performing tracheostomy. Suggested improvements included creating dedicated tracheostomy teams and increasing provider choices surrounding personal protective equipment. Multidisciplinary engagement in the development and implementation of a COVID-19 tracheostomy protocol is associated with acceptable safety for all members of the care team.