Abstract:
ABSTRACT
Background
Airway management in ICU includes use of oral or nasopharyngeal airway, endotracheal tube and tracheotomy. Endotracheal tube is a type of artificial airway which is inserted through the mouth or nasal cavity to the trachea to maintain clear and patent airway (Noppens, 2012). Patients with endotracheal tubes requires endotracheal suctioning (ETS), the procedure done by the ICU nurses. Endotracheal suction involves mechanical aspiration of pulmonary secretions from patient’s artificial airway to prevent obstruction. When done inappropriately, ETS can lead to reduced patient comfort and safety leading to complications.
Aim of the study
The aim of this study was to explore nurse’s experiences of practicing endotracheal suction at Intensive Care Units (ICUs) of Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), Muhimbili Orthopedic Institute (MOI) and Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) Dar es salaam, Tanzania. Two specific objectives guided the study; first was to explore nurse’s experience on the practices of ETS in ICUs at Muhimbili hospital. Second was to explore nurse’s perceptions on best practices of ETS in ICUs at Muhimbili hospital.
Methods and materials
An exploratory qualitative study design was used; utilizing in-depth interviews and observation check list for data collection. A total of 15 nurses from three selected hospitals in Muhimbili complex Dar es Salaam were individually interviewed using semi-structured interview guide. Twenty (20) observations were done to 20 different nurses when performing ETS from ICUs at Muhimbili hospital. Thematic analysis using deductive approach was done by using pre-determined themes derived from standard operating procedure (SOP) for ETS.
