Evaluation of the implementation of a Tracheostomy Review Services (TRS): an observational cohort study

It has been suggested that interprofessional tracheostomy teams improve safety, enhance outcomes and promote excellence. This study evaluated the effect of a Tracheostomy Review Service (TRS) on patient outcomes and staff attitudes. The TRS reviewed patients with a tracheostomy tube (TT) in situ on our wards. Data was collected via medical record audit. Two years of retrospective data (n = 39) was compared with 12 months of prospective data (n = 28) for: length of cannulation (LOC); length of ward-based cannulation (LOWBC); length of stay (LOS); ICU LOS (ICU-length of stay); the frequency and time to trial one way valve (PMV); and tracheostomy-related adverse events (AE). Staff were also surveyed regarding their knowledge and confidence in tracheostomy management. No significant difference was seen in LOC, LOWBC, LOS, ICU-LOS, and AE. A significant increase was seen in the frequency of PMV use (pre-TRS 74%; post-TRS 100%). Staff reported an improvement in knowledge and confidence in more complex areas of tracheostomy management. Limited measureable improvements in patient outcomes were seen following the implementation of a TRS. Limitations of this study include a small sample size and heterogeneous patient characteristics.