Can an interprofessional tracheostomy team improve weaning to decannulation times? A quality improvement evaluation

Abstract

There are several indications for percutaneous tracheostomy and, although it is a common bedside procedure performed by a surgeon in intensive care units, gaps exist in follow-up after transfer to the ward. Given that deficiencies in specialized tracheostomy management may lead to serious complications -- some of which may be life threatening -- it is important to address these knowledge gaps in particular management strategies. Prompted, in part, by the lack of formalized processes at the author's institution and the scarcity of high-quality literature evidence supporting the value of interprofessional tracheostomy teams, this article describes the implementation of such a team and its impact on several metrics.