Accidental Decannulation Following Placement of a Tracheostomy Tube

BACKGROUND: Accidental decannulation is a cause of substantial morbidity and mortality in patients in long-term acute care hospitals who require a tracheostomy tube.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze features of accidental decannulation (AD) following placement of a tracheostomy tube, and to implement strategies to reduce the problem.

METHODS: An analysis of data collected prospectively for quality management in a long-term acute care hospital was performed.

RESULTS: AD occurred at a rate of 4.2 ± 0.9/1,000 tracheostomy days over a 7 month period. Factors associated with AD included mental status changes, increased secretions, and change of shift. Following the implementation of a series of interventions (staff education on risk factors for AD and best tracheostomy care practice; increased availability of telemetry and oximetry; and signage to identify patients at high risk of AD), the incidence of AD over a subsequent 7 month period was significantly reduced, to 2.7 ± 1.9/1,000 tracheostomy days. In addition the numbers of multiple, unmonitored, unreported, and night shift ADs were all significantly reduced.

CONCLUSIONS: Targeted interventions can significantly reduce both the incidence of AD following tracheostomy and associated morbidity. Best practice guidelines to help minimize AD in patients with tracheostomy tubes are proposed.