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Video

Care Equity, Quality, and Safety

(A117) Enhancing Nursing Skills and Confidence in Tracheostomy Care Through Targeted Training Programs

Monday, October 13, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EDT
Location: OTO EXPO, Posters

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Eve Bowers, MD

    Chief Resident
    Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
    Miami, Florida, United States

  • Nicholas DiStefano, BA

    Medical Student
    University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
    Hollywood, Florida, United States

    • Co-Author(s)

  • RS

    Rachael Silveira, CCC-SLP

    Department of Rehabilitation, Jackson Memorial Hospital, United States

  • PK

    Pavan Krishnan, MD

    Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, United States

  • Allison Oliva, MD

    Resident
    Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
    Miami, Florida, United States

  • Soumil Prasad, B.S.

    MS4
    University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
    Miami, Florida, United States

  • SD

    Stuart Duffield, BA

    Emory University School of Medicine, United States

    • Senior Author(s)

  • Bjorn S. Herman, MD

    Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology
    University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
    Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, United States

Disclosure(s):
Eve Bowers, MD: No relevant relationships to disclose.
Nicholas DiStefano, BA: No relevant relationships to disclose.
Allison Oliva, MD: No relevant relationships to disclose.
Soumil Prasad, B.S.: No relevant relationships to disclose.
Bjorn S. Herman, MD: No relevant relationships to disclose.


Introduction: Tracheostomies are common but can result in life-threatening complications. Nurses play a key role in their management, but gaps in tracheostomy training affect patient outcomes. This study evaluates a structured tracheostomy training program to close knowledge gaps and boost nursing confidence.

Methods: This study used a pre- and post-intervention design to evaluate a tracheostomy education program for 38 inpatient nurses at an academic tertiary care center. Baseline surveys assessed demographics, experience, tracheostomy care frequency, and confidence using 10 questions on the 10-point Likert scale and 5 multiple-choice questions. The program included simulation-based and didactic sessions on tracheostomy management, emergencies, and patient education, led by Otolaryngology physicians. Post-tracheostomy training surveys measured changes in confidence and competency. Paired t-tests analyzed Likert scale changes, and a Stuart Maxwell Test evaluated multiple-choice responses.

Results: All 38 participants completed pre- and post-intervention surveys. Most (60.5%) had only 1-2 hours of prior tracheostomy education, and 47.4% managed 5 tracheostomized patients monthly. Pre-tracheostomy training confidence scores were lowest for decannulation management (3.2/10) and recognizing obstructions (4.0/10). Post-intervention, scores significantly improved across all domains, with decannulation management rising to 8.7/10 and recognizing obstructions to 8.4/10 (p < 0.001). Knowledge accuracy increased from 63% to 92% (p < 0.001). Nurses valued the hands-on training and felt better prepared for real-world scenarios.

Conclusions: Structured tracheostomy training programs significantly enhance nursing confidence and knowledge, particularly in critical care scenarios such as decannulation management and obstruction. These findings underscore the importance of standardized educational interventions in improving patient safety and clinical outcomes. Ongoing professional development tailored to tracheostomy care is essential for optimizing nursing roles in patient recovery.