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Physician survey on the care of children with tracheotomy
C W Senders1, H R Muntz, D Schweiss
1Department of Otolaryngology, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento 95817-2214.
Insights
Pediatric tracheostomy care is evolving, with increased use of monitoring devices and earlier parent-guided home care. Many centers are forming specialized tracheostomy teams for comprehensive patient management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Tracheostomy Care Management
Background:
- Pediatric tracheostomy care requires standardized protocols for optimal patient outcomes.
- Variations in practice exist globally, necessitating a review of current management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey current pediatric tracheostomy care practices among otolaryngologists in the US, Canada, and England.
- To identify trends in monitoring, intensive care unit (ICU) utilization, tracheotomy changes, and home care protocols.
Main Methods:
- A survey questionnaire was distributed to practicing pediatric otolaryngologists.
- Data collected on monitoring devices, ICU use, tracheotomy change timing, parent education, and home care.
Main Results:
- 65 responses received from 187 distributed questionnaires, representing ~1,500 tracheotomies annually.
- Increased adoption of monitoring devices and earlier patient discharges due to enhanced parent training.
- Trend towards multidisciplinary tracheostomy teams (surgeons, nurses, speech therapists).
Conclusions:
- Pediatric tracheostomy care is increasingly incorporating advanced monitoring and robust parent education for earlier, safe home discharge.
- The development of specialized tracheostomy teams signifies a move towards more integrated and comprehensive patient care.
Abstract:
A survey was distributed to practicing pediatric otolaryngologists in the United States, Canada, and England to determine the range of care of the pediatric tracheostomy patient. The questionnaire addressed the use of monitoring devices, intensive care unit usage, timing of first tracheotomy change, as well as parent education and home care. Of the 187 questionnaires issued, 65 responses were received, representing almost 1,500 tracheotomies per year. The results show a number of centers moving toward the establishment of a tracheostomy team, including a surgeon, specialty nurse, speech therapist, and others. As of recent years, most centers reported the increased use of monitoring devices along with earlier discharges made possible by better-trained parents.