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Tracheostomy home care: in a resource-limited setting
A Vanker1, S Kling, J R Booysen
1Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg Children's Hospital, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa. aneesa@sun.ac.za
Children with tracheostomies can receive safe home care in South Africa. A home tracheostomy program demonstrated an 82% survival rate, highlighting the importance of training and support.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric critical care
- Home healthcare services
- Resource-limited healthcare settings
Background:
- Home tracheostomy care in South Africa initiated in 1989.
- Tygerberg Children's Hospital (TCH) established a home tracheostomy program.
- Program operates in Cape Town, a resource-limited setting.
Purpose of the Study:
- Describe the tracheostomy home program at TCH.
- Evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of home-based tracheostomy care.
- Assess the impact of a resource-constrained environment on the program.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective descriptive study design.
- Analysis of data from the TCH tracheostomy home program.
- Inclusion of caregiver training by nurses as a key component.
Main Results:
- Fifty-six children entered the home program (median age 3 months).
- Successful decannulation in 43% of children; overall survival rate of 82%.
- Significant social work support generated (745 contacts).
Conclusions:
- Home tracheostomy care is viable for children in resource-limited settings.
- Effective caregiver training is crucial for successful home care.
- Adequate technology and social support enhance patient outcomes.
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