Amplifying patient voices amid pandemic: Perspectives on tracheostomy care, communication, and connection.
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ABSTRACT: Objective
To investigate perspectives of patients, family members, caregivers (PFC), and healthcare professionals (HCP) on tracheostomy care during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods
The cross-sectional survey investigating barriers and facilitators to tracheostomy care was collaboratively developed by patients, family members, nurses, speech-language pathologists, respiratory care practitioners, physicians, and surgeons. The survey was distributed to the Global Tracheostomy Collaborative's learning community, and responses were analyzed.Results
Survey respondents (n = 191) from 17 countries included individuals with a tracheostomy (85 [45 %]), families/caregivers (43 [22 %]), and diverse HCP (63 [33.0 %]). Overall, 94 % of respondents reported concern that patients with tracheostomy were at increased risk of critical illness from SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19; 93 % reported fear or anxiety. With respect to prioritization of care, 38 % of PFC versus 16 % of HCP reported concern that patients with tracheostomies might not be valued or prioritized (p = 0.002). Respondents also differed in fear of contracting COVID-19 (69 % PFC vs. 49 % HCP group, p = 0.009); concern for hospitalization (55.5 % PFC vs. 27 % HCP, p < 0.001); access to medical personnel (34 % PFC vs. 14 % HCP, p = 0.005); and concern about canceled appointments (62 % PFC vs. 41 % HCP, p = 0.01). Respondents from both groups reported severe stress and fatigue, sleep deprivation, lack of breaks, and lack of support (70 % PFC vs. 65 % HCP, p = 0.54). Virtual telecare seldom met perceived needs.Conclusion
PFC with a tracheostomy perceived most risks more acutely than HCP in this global sample. Broad stakeholder engagement is necessary to achieve creative, patient-driven solutions to maintain connection, communication, and access for patients with a tracheostomy.
SUBMITTER: Pandian V
PROVIDER: S-EPMC9172276 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep-Oct
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Publications
Amplifying patient voices amid pandemic: Perspectives on tracheostomy care, communication, and connection.
Pandian Vinciya V Hopkins Brandon S BS Yang Christina J CJ Ward Erin E Sperry Ethan D ED Khalil Ovais O Gregson Prue P Bonakdar Lucy L Messer Jenny J Messer Sally S Chessels Gabby G Bosworth Barbara B Randall Diane M DM Freeman-Sanderson Amy A McGrath Brendan A BA Brenner Michael J MJ
American journal of otolaryngology 20220607 5
<h4>Objective</h4>To investigate perspectives of patients, family members, caregivers (PFC), and healthcare professionals (HCP) on tracheostomy care during the COVID-19 pandemic.<h4>Methods</h4>The cross-sectional survey investigating barriers and facilitators to tracheostomy care was collaboratively developed by patients, family members, nurses, speech-language pathologists, respiratory care practitioners, physicians, and surgeons. The survey was distributed to the Global Tracheostomy Collabora ...[more]
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