The Role of a ‘Tracheostomy Care Training Module’ in Improving the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Among Nurses in High Dependency Units

• Published in: Indian journal of otolaryngology, and head, and neck surgery Vol. 76; no. 3; pp. 2706 - 2713
• Main Authors: Thomas, Tia Teresa, Rao, Vinay V., Mahmood, Lulu Sherif, Bhat, Mahesh, Dsouza, Cimona
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New Delhi Springer India 01.06.2024; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Head and Neck Surgery; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Nurses; Original Article; Ostomy; Otorhinolaryngology; Tracheotomy; Tracheostomy care; Tracheostomy tube block; Knowledge; Awareness; Training module
• ISSN: 2231-3796; 0973-7707
• DOI: 10.1007/s12070-024-04489-y

Background The occurrence of life-threatening events in hospitalized patients with tracheostomies are often preventable. Nurses have a vital role in providing consistent tracheostomy care to patients, thereby avoiding complications. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge of nurses in high dependency areas at a tertiary care hospital with regards to tracheostomy care, to train them and to assess the impact of a tracheostomy care teaching module. Methods Purposive sampling techniques were used to recruit 65 nurses from high dependency areas in Father Muller Medical College Hospital. With appropriate informed, a detailed evaluation was conducted with a pre-validated questionnaire that assesses the knowledge, attitude and practices with regards to tracheostomy care. The nurses then underwent a tracheostomy training programme with a teaching module that emphasizes on tracheostomy care, a demonstration and hands on experience in the simulation lab, followed by an OSCE and a post-test. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 28 for paired T test and crosstabulation. Results There was a mean increase in test scores, from 7.74 in pretest to 10.66 in post-test which was statistically significant. The comfort and confidence level of nurses after the module, increased by 80% and the OSCE scores were averaged around 73% giving a satisfactory outcome. Conclusion This module significantly increased the quality of tracheostomy tube care provided by nurses thereby improving patient outcome. Small modifications to existing training programs can have a significant impact on overall health care as demonstrated by our study.