Tracheotomy Management Update

The DVD program includes anatomy, indications for tracheotomy, various types of trach tubes used, a video clip of the procedure being performed, and directions for managing postoperative complications. In Dr. Schiff’s view, this information has not been widely summarized in other educational offerings. “In otolaryngology textbooks, they’re going to skip the basics and focus on the details,” he said. “In general medical textbooks, they may skip the details and focus on the basics. One advantage of an interactive DVD is that a person can get out of it whatever they’re looking for.”

Although the DVD is almost complete, production and distribution will depend on locating funding. There is little doubt that there is a need for it, concluded Dr. Schiff: “We are the main academic hospital in a major medical school-affiliated health center; if we have issues, I would presume there are issues at the majority of hospitals across the country.”

Educational Aspects of Tracheotomy Management

“It is our responsibility as surgeons not only to perform the tracheotomy procedure, but to educate those who are going to be taking care of the patient afterward,” said Dr. Fried. “Involving residents, nurses, hospital administration, pulmonary care providers, and intensive care providers has a lot of beneficial effects. We’ve seen a big difference when we’ve taught people appropriately,” said Dr. Fried. Providers who take care of patients with tracheotomies must be desensitized to let go of any fright they have of the device. In Dr. Fried’s view, the top educational aspects for managing tracheotomies include:

1. Understanding why the patients have had a tracheotomy performed.
2. Understanding relevant basic anatomy.
3. Doing whatever is necessary to help providers who manage these patients to overcome their fears.

References

1. Christenson TE, Spiegel JR, Boon MS, Artz GJM. Tracheal stenosis following placement of percutaneous dilational tracheotomy. COSM meeting abstract presentation 2007.

   [Context Link]

2. Ostrower ST, Alexander RE, Fried MP, Parikh SR, Schiff BA. Reducing post-tracheotomy morbidity and mortality in the hospital—implementation of the core competencies in resident education. COSM meeting abstract presentation 2007.

   [Context Link]

©2007 The Triological Society