Predicting and preventing tracheostomy risk in pediatrics: Development and pilot testing of a focused assessment tool.

BACKGROUND

Tracheostomy dependent patients are at risk for adverse events such as accidental decannulation, potentially causing serious harm, prolonging hospital stays, and increasing medical care costs. However, standardized tools for risk identification do not exist.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to develop and evaluate the Children's Health Decannulation Risk Assessment Tool (CH-DRAT), a focused assessment instrument designed to reduce the risk of accidental decannulation in pediatric hospitalized patients.

METHODS

Following instrument development, content validation and inter rater reliability assessment, a pilot study was conducted to assess the CH-DRAT's psychometric properties. Predictive validity was examined using clinical outcomes, while sensitivity, specificity, and reliability were evaluated through statistical analysis of pilot data.

RESULTS

The CHDRAT demonstrated predictive validity and strong sensitivity and specificity. During the study period there was a statistically significant 37% reduction in accidental decannulation rates compared to the year before.

CONCLUSION

Findings suggest that CHDRAT is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing accidental decannulation risk in pediatric patients, with potential to improve clinical decision-making and patient outcomes.