Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Manufacture of a Multi-Purpose Low-Cost Animal Bench-Model for Teaching Tracheostomy
Published on: May 18, 2019
Preparation, clinical support, and confidence of speech-language pathologists managing clients with a tracheostomy in
Elizabeth Ward1, Emma Agius, Maura Solley
1Division of Speech Pathology, Therapies Building, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia 4072, Australia. liz.ward@uq.edu.au
Purpose:
To describe the preparation and training, clinical support, and confidence of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in relation to tracheostomy client care in Australia.
Method:
A survey was sent to 90 SLPs involved in tracheostomy management across Australia. The survey contained questions relating to preparation and training, clinical support, and confidence.
Results:
The response rate was high (76%). The majority of SLPs were pursuing a range of professional development activities, had clinical support available, and felt confident providing care of clients with tracheostomies. Despite these findings, 45% of SLPs were not up-to-date with evidence-based practice, less than 30% were knowledgeable of the advances in tracheostomy tube technology, and only 16% felt they worked as part of an optimal team. Only half were confident and had clinical support for managing clients who were ventilated. Most (88%) believed additional training opportunities would be beneficial.
Conclusions:
The current data highlight issues for health care facilities and education providers to address regarding the training and support needs of SLPs providing tracheostomy client care.
Related Concept Videos
Tracheostomy Care I: Pre-procedural Steps
Required Equipment
The equipment necessary for tracheostomy care includes:
Tracheostomy: Procedure and Tubes
Tracheostomy tubes can be made of semiflexible plastic (polyurethane or silicone), rigid plastic, or metal, and they come in...
Oxygen Delivering System III: Tracheostomy and T-piece
Tracheostomy
A tracheostomy is a surgically created opening (stoma) in the anterior part of the trachea. It is used to establish a patient airway, bypass an upper airway obstruction, simplify the removal of secretions, permit long-term...
Tracheostomy Care II: Procedure
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene, and put on personal protective equipment: gown, gloves, mask and...
Tracheostomy Suctioning I: Pre-Procedural Steps
Equipment Required
First, gather all necessary equipment: a sterile suction catheter, a sterile disposable container, sterile gloves, a towel or...
Tracheostomy Suctioning II: Procedure

