Presentations 2020: OMFS

390 - Confidence in managing Tracheostomy Emergencies among healthcare professionals

B Usman AO jenkinson S Ananth J Pallot R Williams
Presented by: Bilal Usman
Morriston Hospital

Introduction A tracheostomy is a relatively common procedure with 5000 surgical tracheostomies and 10,000-15,000 percutaneous tracheostomies being performed each year. Although the overall complication rate is greater than 50%, the incidence of serious complications is low. These serious complications can, however, lead to significant morbidity and mortality. There were 32 deaths reported in 2006. Aim The aim of this study is to examine the baseline knowledge and confidence of healthcare professionals in managing a tracheostomy emergency and to explore any changes in confidence and knowledge following a 4 hour course covering tracheostomy emergencies. Methods Candidates attending a tracheostomy emergencies course in Morriston Hospital were asked to complete a pre-course assessment of knowledge and confidence. Confidence levels were assessed with a likert scale. Eight questions based on the Resuscitation Council's tracheostomy algorithm were also completed. A post course assessment of knowledge and confidence was performed to assess the impact of the educational intervention. Results 22 questionnaires were completed and returned by the healthcare professionals. 9 (40.91%) felt no confidence, 8 (36.36%) felt little confident and 5 (22.73%) felt confident in their ability to manage a tracheostomy emergency. The mean score of eight questions was 49.43%. After the teaching sessions, repeat questionnaires showed increased confidence levels, and dramatically improved scores. The mean score of eight questions post teaching was 74.16%. Conclusion The management of airway obstruction in patients with tracheostomies is poorly understood by healthcare providers looking after patients with tracheostomies. This poses a significant patient safety concern. Teaching workshops with practical demonstrations are an effective intervention to improve confidence in the management of emergencies.
Consent Statement: There are no details on individual patients reported within the abstract.

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