Journal of Critical Care
Volume 24, Issue 4 , Pages 501-507, December 2009

Tracheostomy in the acute setting: Patient experience and information needs☆☆☆

  • Zoë V. Sherlock, MSc

      Affiliations

    • Speech and Language Therapy Department, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, Hampshire, SO16 6YD, UK
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author.
    • ,
  • Janet A. Wilson, BSc (Med Sci), MB ChB, FRCSed, FRCSEng, MD

      Affiliations

    • Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Otoloarngology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7DN, UK
    • ,
  • Catherine Exley, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4AA, UK

published online 17 February 2009.

Abstract 

Purpose

The placement of a tracheostomy tube is a common hospital procedure used to clear secretions or bypass upper airway obstruction. However, little is known about patients' experiences of tracheostomy or the adequacy of the information provided to them.

Methods

This pilot qualitative study used semistructured interviews with 8 patients to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences. They were recruited from and interviewed in a large teaching hospital in the South of England.

Results

Four main themes were identified: physical sensations, understanding, information, and experiences after removal of the tracheostomy tube.

Conclusions

This research suggests that the experience of tracheostomy is a complex mix of physical sensations and emotions. Despite being a relatively routine procedure for clinicians, it can be very distressing to patients both during and after removal. Information needs to be more comprehensive, and it should be tailored to suit individual patient needs.

Keywords: Tracheostomy, Patient experience, Information, Critical care

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☆ Research conducted at Southampton General Hospital.

☆☆ None of the authors have any conflicts of interest to declare.

PII: S0883-9441(08)00206-2

doi:10.1016/j.jcrc.2008.10.007

Journal of Critical Care
Volume 24, Issue 4 , Pages 501-507, December 2009

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