Implementation of an Evidence-based Accidental Tracheostomy Dislodgement Bundle in a Community Hospital Critical Care Unit

Background: Tracheostomy dislodgment can lead to catastrophic neurological injury or death. A fresh tracheostomy amplifies the risk of such events, where an immature tract predisposes to false passage. Unfortunately, few resources exist to prepare healthcare professionals to manage this airway emergency.

Aim: To create and implement an accidental tracheostomy dislodgement (ATD) bundle to improve knowledge and comfort when responding to ATD.

Materials & Methods: A multidisciplinary team with expertise in tracheostomy developed a 3-part ATD bundle including (1) Tracheostomy Dislodgement Algorithm, (2) Head of Bed Tracheostomy Communication Tool and (3) Emergency Tracheostomy Kit. The team tested the bundle during the COVID-19 pandemic in a community hospital critical care unit with the engagement of nurses and Respiratory Care Practitioners. Baseline and post-implementation knowledge and comfort levels were measured using Dorton's Tracheotomy Education Self-Assessment Questionnaire, and adherence to protocol was assessed. Reporting follows the revised Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence (SQUIRE).

Results: Twenty-four participants completed pre-test and post-test questionnaires. The median knowledge score on the Likert scale increased from 4.0 (IQR = 1.0) pre-test to 5.0 (IQR = 1.0) post-test. The median comfort level score increased from 38.0 (IQR = 7.0) pre-test to 40.0 (IQR = 5.0) post-test). In patient rooms, adherence was 100% for the Head of Bed Tracheostomy Communication Tool and Emergency Tracheostomy Kit. The adherence rate for using the Dislodgement Algorithm was 55% in ICU and 40% in SCU.

Discussion: This study addresses the void of tracheostomy research conducted in local community hospitals. The improvement in knowledge and comfort in managing ATD is reassuring, given the knowledge gap among practitioners demonstrated in prior literature. The ATD bundle assessed in this study represents a streamlined approach for bedside clinicians - definitive management of ATD should adhere to comprehensive multidisciplinary guidelines.

Conclusions: ATD bundle implementation increased knowledge and comfort levels with managing ATD. Further studies must assess whether ATD bundles and other standardised approaches to airway emergencies reduce adverse events. Relevance to Clinical Practice A streamlined intervention bundle employed at the unit level can significantly improve knowledge and comfort in managing ATD, which may reduce morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients with tracheostomy.