Tracheostomy care knowledge and practice among nurses: insight from a tertiary hospital in Northern Tanzania

Angela N. Msele; Desderius C. Chussi; Marco R. Magwizi; Michael P. Kayuza; Jesca G. Lyimo; Philbert P. Mtenga; Kenneth J. Mlay

doi:10.18203/issn.2454-5929.ijohns20251495

Authors

Angela N. Msele Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), Moshi, Tanzania; KCMU University, Moshi, Tanzania
Desderius C. Chussi Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), Moshi, Tanzania; KCMU University, Moshi, Tanzania
Marco R. Magwizi Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), Moshi, Tanzania; KCMU University, Moshi, Tanzania
Michael P. Kayuza Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), Moshi, Tanzania; KCMU University, Moshi, Tanzania
Jesca G. Lyimo Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), Moshi, Tanzania; KCMU University, Moshi, Tanzania
Philbert P. Mtenga Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), Moshi, Tanzania; KCMU University, Moshi, Tanzania
Kenneth J. Mlay Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), Moshi, Tanzania; KCMU University, Moshi, Tanzania https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9577-5487

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2454-5929.ijohns20251495

Keywords:

Knowledge, Practice, Tracheostomy care, Nurses

Abstract

Background: Tracheostomy, a well-established life-saving procedure, is commonly performed worldwide on patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation. Adverse events following tracheostomy are not rare and significantly impact patients’ outcomes. Global estimates suggest that inadequate tracheostomy care leads to the death of between 10 and 60% of patients annually. The quality of nursing care after the procedure is crucial in determining patient outcome. From local settings, there is an observed increase in complications and mortality attributed to insufficient knowledge and suboptimal practice of tracheostomy care; however, the current gaps in knowledge and practice have not been systematically documented. This study aims to explore nurses’ level of knowledge and practice of tracheostomy care and its associated factors.

Methods: An eight-month analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, where the ear, nose, and throat ward, medical, pediatric, and surgical intensive care units were the specified study units. Data collection tools were structured questionnaires and observation checklists. Descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized in data analysis.

Results: Among 52 enrolled nurses, 75% had moderate knowledge, 13.5% had poor knowledge, and 11.5% had good knowledge. 75% of nurses had unsatisfactory practice, and 25% had satisfactory practice. Working units significantly influence nurses’ knowledge level and practice.

Conclusions: Knowledge and practice regarding tracheostomy care among nurses is limited. The development of standardized tracheostomy care guidelines, in-service continuous education, and the implementation of a comprehensive tracheostomy care training program are highly recommended to improve proficiency.

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Author Biography

Desderius C. Chussi, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), Moshi, Tanzania; KCMU University, Moshi, Tanzania

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