Lessons learned from safe tracheostomy aftercare taskforce implemented during COVID-19 pandemic

Area of Science:

• Medical Care
• Patient Outcomes
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic led to an increased number of patients requiring tracheostomies.
• A specialized team, the Safe Tracheostomy Aftercare Taskforce (STAT), was established to manage these patients.
• Understanding the impact of the STAT team on tracheostomy care outcomes is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the STAT team in improving tracheostomy care.
• To assess the impact of the STAT team on key patient outcomes.
• To determine the value of the STAT team beyond the pandemic.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of tracheostomy care data from February to June 2019 (pre-STAT team).
• A prospective analysis of tracheostomy care data from February to June 2020 (with STAT team).
• Statistical comparison of outcomes including decannulation, tube changes, and follow-up.

Main Results:

• The STAT team significantly increased the rate of decannulation prior to hospital discharge (P < 0.0005).
• Timely tracheostomy tube changes when indicated were significantly improved with the STAT team (P < 0.05).
• Post-discharge follow-up rates for tracheostomy patients significantly increased (P < 0.0005).

Conclusions:

• The STAT team demonstrated a significant positive impact on critical tracheostomy care outcomes.
• The findings support the continuation of the STAT team model for routine tracheostomy care.
• Implementing specialized care taskforces can enhance patient outcomes in specialized medical fields.