Tracheostomy Care Knowledge among Clinical Nurses in Birat Medical College Teaching Hospital: An Observational Study.

INTRODUCTION

Tracheostomy, a surgically created opening in trachea, helps to maintain the airway in any respiratory problems. Its post-operative complications reflects the need of proper postoperative care. Good tracheostomy care knowledge helps early detection and timely management of tracheotomy related complications. Thus our study intends to assess the tracheostomy care knowledge among the clinical nurses in Birat Medical College Teaching Hospital.

METHODS

This cross-sectional observational study was conducted among nurses of ICU, high care, postoperative, and ENT wards at Birat Medical College Teaching Hospital from June to September 2024. A validated 20-item true/false questionnaire assessed tracheostomy care knowledge. Data were analyzed using SPSS v21 after ethical approval and informed consent.

RESULTS

Of 136 nurses, 50 (36.76%) had high knowledge, 40 (29.41%) moderate, and 46 (33.83%) low. High knowledge was found in 6 (100%) nurses with a master's degree, 35 (48%) working in ICU, and 6 (75%) with 10 to 20 years of experience. Correct responses ranged from 38 (27.94%) on tube reinsertion to 135 (99.26%) on securing tracheostomy ties.

CONCLUSIONS

One-third of nurses had high tracheostomy care knowledge; higher scores were observed among ICU nurses and those with over ten years of experience.