Ongoing care needs should be established to include ongoing tracheostomy reviews and access to support services in the event of complications. The community team should be informed of the prognosis for the individual and the management plan.

Arrangements for routine tube changes should be agreed. This provision will be essential in ensuring tube function and avoiding potential infection or tube blockage. Tube changes will be the area which causes the most concern to nurses managing patients with a tracheostomy (Barnett 2005).

The history of the patient’s previous tube changes and current clinical needs should be considered to identify the suitability for community based tube changes and the potential risk of the procedure. It may not be appropriate for carers or community nurses to carry this out and arrangements for hospital based tube changes may be required.

Tracheostomy Equipment: What is required at home?



References
Barnett M. Tracheostomy management & care. J Community Nursing 2005; 19(1): 4-8.
Bunglass E. Tracheostomy care: tracheal suctioning and humidification. British J of Nursing 1999; 8(8): 500-504
Haddad A. Ethics in action. Regist Nurs 2001; 64(7): 21-22
Scase C (1). Longterm tracheostomy and continuing care. In Russell C, Matta B (eds). Tracheostomy A Multiprofessional Handbook. London: Greenwich Medical Media Ltd; 2004; Chapter 16
Wilson EB, Malley N. Discharge planning for the patient with a new tracheostomy. Crit Care Nurs 1990; 10(7): 73-74, 76-79.