Abstract:
Background: Tracheostomy is a commonly performed surgical procedure for the
management of upper airway obstructions. Laryngeal carcinoma and neck malignancy
remain the major indication of emergency tracheostomy among cancer patients due to
upper airway obstruction were as by the majority of cases are presented late with
respiratory distress and therefore require emergency tracheostomy to be performed. It
has been seen that there is an association of a tracheostomy tube with increased post
ICU mortality; this increase may be attributed due to inadequate experience of nursing
staff who are responsible for the care of tracheotomies patients in the ward
Aim: The study aimed to explore nurses’ views and experience of caring for
tracheostomy complications to cancer patients at a tertiary referral cancer hospital in
Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.
Methods: A descriptive exploratory design was used. Registered nurses working in the cancer ward from Ocean Road Cancer Institute were purposively selected and
individual, in-depth interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis was used to analyze
the data using a deductive approach.
Results: Sixteen registered nurses were interviewed. Most of the participants were
female 12(75%). Four major themes emerged after data analysis which are: availability
of equipment and supply within a hospital setting, need for training to manage
complications, involvement of caregiver and patients on tracheostomy care, and need
for multidisciplinary team approach which is elaborated in detail and supported with
quotes.
Conclusions:
This study shows that caring for tracheostomy complications among registered nurses is very challenging due to inadequate experience, knowledge on tracheostomy care and
equipment and supplies, therefore to improve tracheostomy care and management, there is a need for training of nurses in managing complications, availability of equipment
and supply within a hospital setting. In addition, there is a need for the involvement of
caregivers and patients in tracheostomy care and multidisciplinary teams to manage
complications.
Keyword: Tracheostomy, Tracheostomy care, Tracheostomy complications, Registered
nurse
