Increasing health care providers' knowledge of tracheostomy and laryngectomy

The differences between tracheostomy and total laryngectomy are frequently misunderstood by healthcare professionals. Insufficient knowledge can potentially result in life-threatening consequences in the event of an emergent airway situation.

A seven-question assessment of providers' anatomical knowledge and airway management was completed prior to and following a standardized one-hour didactic lecture.

Forty-six participants completed the pre- and post-assessment. There were 20 (43.5%) ENT ICU/IMC Staff (EBU), 20 (43.5%) Florida Surgical Center Staff (FSC), and 6 (13%) Anesthesia providers (Anes). Pre-lecture score average was 44.7% across all providers, significantly improving to 83.8% post-lecture (p < 0.001). Nursing staff from the Otolaryngology ICU, and OR staff, had significant improvement in knowledge base (p < 0.001). Anesthesia providers showed improvement, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.052).

Didactic lectures are a simple and low-cost option with significant potential in improving provider knowledge on these critical topics and improve patient care by non-otolaryngology providers.