Family Caregiver Knowledge in the Outpatient Management of Pediatric Tracheostomy-Related Emergencies

Tracheostomy-related emergencies (TREs) contribute significantly to preventable mortality. The retention of caregiver knowledge and skills acquired through simulation-based training (SBT) is unknown. This study aimed to assess the management of TREs by caregivers who did and did not receive SBT. A questionnaire containing 3 TRE scenarios and frequency of outpatient TREs was administered to 52 caregivers of children with tracheostomies; 34 caregivers had completed SBT. Most caregivers (80%) reported ≥1 TRE since discharge. Only 46% of caregivers answered all 3 TRE questions correctly. No differences were observed in correct responses for accidental decannulation (p = .16), oxygen desaturation (p = .84), and mucus plugging (p = .16) based on the completion of SBT. There were no differences between duration since SBT completion and correct responses for all 3 TRE questions. Caregivers showed knowledge deficiencies in TRE management regardless of SBT completion or duration since SBT. Periodic reassessment of knowledge may create targeted re-education opportunities for TRE management.