The ISPAT project: Implementation of a standardized training program for caregivers of children with tracheostomy

Abstract

Background: Tracheostomy-related morbidity and mortality mainly occur due to decannulation, misplacement, or obstruction of the tube. A standardized training can improve the skills and confidence of the caregivers in tracheostomy care (TC).Objective: Our primary aim was to evaluate the efficiency of standardized training program on the knowledge and skills (changing-suctioning the tracheostomy tube) of the participants regarding TC.Materials and Methods: Sixty-five caregivers of children with tracheostomy were included. First, participants were evaluated with written test about TC and participated in the practical tests. Then, they were asked to participate in a standardized training session, including theoretical and practical parts. Baseline and

Long‐term outcomes of standardized training for caregivers of children with tracheostomies: The IStanbul PAediatric Tracheostomy (ISPAT) project

“…Several studies have provided simulation or mannequin‐based training on standardized TC and scenarios that may be challenging for caregivers and have found training to significantly increase caregiver knowledge 14–19 . Woodbridge et al designed a simulation‐based training program for 20 caregivers of neonatal and pediatric patients with new tracheostomy and found that caregivers’ competence and comfort with skill and scenario increased after training 17 .…”

“…13 In the second step, standardized theoretical and practical training of caregivers was performed by the train ed healthcare providers, and the caregiver knowledge and skill scores immediately post-training were evaluated. 14 In the third step, we investigated the overall outcomes of the training and examined the level of knowledge and skill retained 1 year later (Figure 1).…”

“…In the first step of the project, a multidisciplinary team comprising specialists from diverse departments involved in the pediatric TC was established (pediatric otolaryngology, pulmonology, gastroenterology, critical care, neonatology, pediatric surgery, dentistry, nursing, physical therapy, speech therapy, and family representatives), and standardized simulation‐based training for healthcare providers was performed 13 . In the second step, standardized theoretical and practical training of caregivers was performed by the train ed healthcare providers, and the caregiver knowledge and skill scores immediately post‐training were evaluated 14 . In the third step, we investigated the overall outcomes of the training and examined the level of knowledge and skill retained 1 year later (Figure 1).…”

“…This follow-up study was conducted in six tertiary pediatric pulmonology centers in Istanbul between September and November 2021 as a continuation of the ISPAT project, 13,14 As in the first part of the ISPAT project, the same theoretical and practical tests were administered 1 year after training completion. 14 For theoretical assessment, the caregivers completed a written test comprising 23 multiple-choice questions about TC, such as suctioning the cannula, managing tracheostomy complications, and emergencies, such as cannula obstruction or accidental decannulation.…”

“…Both theoretical and practical training were generally still effective 1 year after training completion. Furthermore, HC admission and tracheostomy-related complications, such as mucus plugs, stoma infections, and bleeding, were markedly reduced.Several studies have provided simulation or mannequin-based training on standardized TC and scenarios that may be challenging for caregivers and have found training to significantly increase caregiver knowledge [14][15][16][17][18][19]. Woodbridge et al designed a simulationbased training program for 20 caregivers of neonatal and pediatric patients with new tracheostomy and found that caregivers' competence and comfort with skill and scenario increased after training 17.…”