Abstract

Context

 

The prevalence of children with tracheostomies is increasing (1).  Yet it is a condition that healthcare professionals in DGHs face infrequently.  This creates an under-confident workforce that lacks the skills and competencies to look after these children.  This can adversely impact the safety and quality of care these patients receive.

 

The ultimate aim for these children is for them to be in the community.  Parents and carers do have tracheostomy training prior to their child being discharged.  Nevertheless, the first time they face an emergency situation independently may be when their child is life-threateningly unwell.  A prior experience with Simulation may increase their confidence and preparedness for such a situation.  However, there are currently no high-fidelity simulation paediatric tracheostomy courses for non-healthcare professionals

 

Description

 

The Lancashire Simulation Centre developed a paediatric tracheostomy-training package for healthcare professionals and carers of children with tracheostomies.

 

The learning objectives of the course are:

• To have an understanding of indications for neonatal and paediatric tracheostomies
• Understand the appropriate storage and testing of equipment
• Learn and demonstrate the appropriate management of a patient with a tracheostomy, including tube changes;
• Emergency management of a blocked or displaced tracheostomy tube, including practising with high-fidelity simulation scenarios

 

Evaluation

 

The course was piloted with the paediatric nursing staff at Royal Preston Hospital.  Feedback via Turning-Point questionnaire and written feedback has been very positive.  The participants unanimously reported:

• An increase in their knowledge and confidence in caring for a tracheostomy patient. 

• An increase in their ability to recognise deterioration in these patients
• More confidence with the emergency management of paediatric tracheostomy patients

 

Discussion

 

Since the pilot, all paediatric nursing staff at the hospital have undergone training.  The course has been expanded to doctors, allied healthcare professionals, parents and carers of children with tracheostomies. 

 

The course has received accreditation from the RCPCH, with CPD points available for healthcare professionals.