Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 19, 2025
Asthma Detection Research Based on Voice Signal Processing and Machine Learning
Published on: July 22, 2025
Determining the Prevalence, Implementation Approaches, and Opinions of Above Cuff Vocalization: A Survey of Health
Claire S Mills1, Emilia Michou2, Mark C Bellamy3
1Speech and Language Therapy Department, Leeds Teaching Hospitals National Health Service Trust, Leeds, United Kingdom; Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom.
Objective:
To conduct an international survey to investigate the use of above cuff vocalization (ACV) and how practice and opinion differs.
Design:
Observational, cross-sectional online survey.
Setting:
Critical care, acute, rehabilitation, long-term care, and community.
Participants:
Health care professionals involved in tracheostomy care or weaning (N=243).
Interventions:
Not applicable.
Main Outcome Measures:
Tracheostomy management, prevalence, personal experiences and opinions, and barriers to use. Quantitative data were reported descriptively, and content analysis was conducted with qualitative data.
Results:
The survey was completed by 243 health care professionals from 9 professional groups and 25 countries, with most responses from the United Kingdom (54%) and speech and language therapists (55%). ACV was used in 39% of services (n=93). Sixty percent (n=50/83) of health care professionals with direct experience of ACV had used it with <10 people. Implementation of ACV varied widely concerning procedures, contraindications, safety processes, professionals involved, competencies, staff training, delivery, and outcome measures. The top benefits were communication (n=76/93; 82%), mood (n=62/93; 67%), and laryngeal sensation (n=49/93; 53%). Complications included discomfort (n=54/93; 58%) and strained vocal quality (n=39/93; 42%). Barriers to ACV implementation included lack of knowledgeable staff (n=92/238; 39%) and lack of access to training (n=73/238; 31%).
Conclusions:
ACV uptake varies internationally with no standardized approach to ACV delivery. Diversity of opinions on approaches and benefits exist. Serious complications are infrequent, but minor complications are common. Future research is needed to establish optimal ACV implementation to maximize benefits and minimize risks.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
01:23Assessment of Respiration
Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like...
01:20Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate
A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation:
01:28Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract IV: Auscultation
Breath Sounds
Breath sounds are categorized into vesicular, bronchovesicular, and bronchial.
01:17Assessment of apical pulse
Assessing the apical pulse is a critical nursing procedure, particularly indicated for:
01:31Respiratory System Abnormal Finding II: Palpation and Auscultation
Palpation Findings
During a respiratory assessment, palpation can reveal several vital abnormalities: