Effect of a structured tracheostomy educational programme on healthcare professionals' knowledge and confidence: A quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test study at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital.

BACKGROUND

Tracheostomy care requires healthcare professionals to recognise and manage routine and emergency complications promptly. Knowledge and preparedness gaps may compromise patient safety, particularly in resource-limited settings. This study assessed baseline knowledge and self-reported confidence in tracheostomy care and evaluated the immediate effect of a structured educational programme at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital.

METHODS

A quantitative quasi-experimental one-group pre-test-post-test study was conducted among healthcare professionals involved in tracheostomy care. Participants completed structured questionnaires before and immediately after a tracheostomy educational programme. Changes in knowledge and confidence were analysed using McNemar's test, Friedman's test and generalised estimating equations (GEE).

RESULTS

Seventy-seven healthcare professionals participated. High overall knowledge increased from 14.3% pre-intervention to 67.5% post-intervention (p < 0.001). Participants had significantly higher odds of adequate knowledge after the intervention (adjusted OR 11.71, 95% CI 4.30-31.88; p < 0.001), while > 11 years of clinical experience was also associated with adequate knowledge (adjusted OR 4.74, 95% CI 1.77-12.69; p = 0.002). Confidence in tracheostomy tube insertion improved significantly (p = 0.003), with participants aged ≤ 40 years more likely to report high confidence (adjusted OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.06-4.88; p = 0.035).

CONCLUSION

A structured tracheostomy educational programme significantly improved healthcare professionals' knowledge and self-reported confidence. Regular education incorporating simulation may improve preparedness and promote safer tracheostomy care, particularly in resource-limited settings.

CONTRIBUTION: This study contributes to the limited South African literature on healthcare professionals' knowledge of tracheostomy care by identifying important knowledge gaps and demonstrating that a structured educational intervention can significantly improve both knowledge and confidence. The findings provide locally relevant evidence to support the development of standardised tracheostomy-care training, regular refresher programmes and institutional protocols aimed at improving the safety and quality of tracheostomy care.