Experiences of patients' primary caregivers with tracheostomy suctioning before discharge

This study aimed to determine the experiences of primary caregivers of patients with tracheostomies on the tracheostomy suctioning procedure.

This is a semi-structured qualitative study of 11 primary caregivers of patients with tracheostomies in one university hospital in a province in northwest Turkey. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview technique with the primary caregivers of the patients and interviews were audio-recorded. The content of the audio recordings obtained during each interview was evaluated by the researchers using the content analysis method. The data were categorized, coded, and analyzed by creating themes and sub-themes.

The experiences of primary caregivers with tracheostomy suctioning before discharge were classified under three themes and 11 sub-themes. The study's main themes were emotional reactions, information needs, and caring responsibility. Caregivers showed either positive or negative emotions when performed tracheostomy suctioning on their patients. Insufficient information on the patient care and recovery process were mostly emphasized topic by caregivers. Such that they express the knowledge deficiency on tracheostomy suctioning and counseling provided either by nurses/physicians. Thus compete with difficulties ends up with feelings of pressure and avoidance of caring responsibility.

Caregivers lack of knowledge and poor skills on tracheostomy suctioning ends up with fear, anxiety, and obstacles on patient caring. Implementing individualized education, supporting patients and their caregivers on tracheostomy suctioning, and following up on caregivers' abilities are valuable interventions.