Care of Adult Patients in Acute Care Facilities with a Tracheostomy
Aim
To improve the safety and quality of care provided to adult patients with a tracheostomy in NSW hospitals.
Benefits
- Reduce number of, and severity of adverse events in adults with tracheostomy
- Improve patient experience and outcomes
- Improve staff experience in caring for patients with a tracheostomy
- Reduce length of stay
Summary
The Tracheostomy Guidelines were developed by an expert multidisciplinary group based on available evidence and expert consensus. The guidelines recommend the establishment of multidisciplinary tracheostomy review teams to coordinate care of patients with a tracheostomy throughout their admission and specific guidance for:
- System of care
- Maintaining a patent airway
- Swallowing
- Oral care
- Facilitation of communication
- Weaning to decannulation
- Infection prevention
- Complications and emergencies
- Transfer of care.
Background
Monitoring and analysis of NSW clinical incident data, undertaken by CEC, identified important areas where tracheostomy care could be improved. The Intensive Care Coordination and Monitoring Unit (ICCMU) were tasked to develop evidence based Tracheostomy Guidelines.
The Guidelines and clinical resource package were released online in 2013. Implementation teams have been established in all Local Health Districts and Special Health Networks with guidance and support from ICCMU and Respiratory Network.
Partnerships
- Clinical Excellence Commission
- NSW Local Health Districts and Special Health Networks
Key Dates
Pilot Sites
Implementation Sites
Key Date (location)
Pilot Site
Implementation Site
Evaluation
Outcome measures have been established to assess the impact of the guidelines and effectiveness of the state-wide implementation approach.
Related Initiatives
- Whole of Hospital
Further Details
Contact
Cecily Barrack
ACI Respiratory Network Manager
cecily.barrack@health.nsw.gov.au
02 9464 4625
Kaye Rolls
Clinical Project Officer, ACI Intensive Care Coordination and Monitoring Unit
kaye.rolls@health.nsw.gov.au
02 9464 4692
Page Top | Added: 28 October 2013 | Last modified: 26 June 2015