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Scientific Oral Presentations

Care Equity, Quality, and Safety

Session: Scientific Oral Presentation 1 - Care Equity, Quality and Safety

Total Laryngectomy Education Initiative for Nurses and Respiratory Therapists: A Quality Improvement Study

Sunday, October 12, 2025

1:54 PM - 2:00 PM EDT

Location: 138

Introduction: Appropriate management of the total laryngectomy (TL) airway is crucial to avoid minor and life-threatening complications. Ample literature has emphasized the utility of standardized education for healthcare workers but there is currently a lack of implementation of such programs to address TL patient care. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a novel, interactive education program to improve TL post-operative care.

Methods: This was a prospective, survey-based study conducted at a tertiary academic hospital from June 2024 to the current date. The study included nurses, respiratory therapists, and physicians at varying levels of training who voluntarily attended a 30-minute education session and completed pre- and post-intervention surveys. Outcome measures included a self-assessment (adapted Subjective Comfort Level Self-Assessment Questionnaire), objective knowledge assessment, and an overall rating of the intervention. The objective component assessed understanding of key topics such as the identification and function of TL-related devices, emergency management, airway anatomy, and the differences between TL and tracheostomy care. Analyses included Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests and paired t tests.

Results: 27 subjects have participated in the study with an average age of 35±8 years and 10±10 years of healthcare experience. Participants were predominantly female (89%), white race (67%), and work as registered nurses (85%). Only 8 participants (30%) reported having received formal training on TL patient care prior to the intervention. 26 participants (96%) responded ‘strongly agree’ or ‘agree’ that the intervention improved their ability to care for TL patients. Among all 10 self-assessment questions, there was significant improvement in perceived comfort level and knowledge after the intervention (p < 0.005). The mean improvement in objective assessment score was 28.7% (95% C.I.=18.3-39.1; p< 0.001).

Conclusions: Preliminary results suggest that the implementation of a novel, interactive educational program can improve provider knowledge and comfort level in caring for TL patients.

Presenting Author(s)

Christina N. Ward, MD

Resident Physician
University of Tennessee
Memphis, TN, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Co-Author(s)

CH

Christopher D. Hedden, BS

Medical Student
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Memphis, TN, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.
Justin M. Soffer, MD

Resident Physician
University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery
Memphis, Tennessee, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
Stephen F. White, MD

Physician
North Atlanta ENT and Allergy
Philadelphia, PA, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.
C. Burton Wood, MD

Assistant Professor
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Memphis, TN, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
Andrew J. Maroda, MD

Physician
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Memphis, TN, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.

Senior Author(s)

JG

John P. Gleysteen, MD

Associate Professor of Otolaryngology
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Memphis, Tennessee, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.