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Research Article: Development and Effect Evaluation of an Action-Oriented Interdisciplinary Weaning Protocol for Cuffed Tracheostomy Tubes in Patients with Acquired Brain Injury

Date Published: 2024-02-16

Abstract:
The objective was to develop an interdisciplinary weaning protocol (IWP) for patients with tracheostomy tubes due to acquired brain injury, and to effect evaluate implementation of the IWP on decannulation rates and weaning duration. An expert panel completed a literature review in 2018 to identify essential criteria in the weaning process. Based on consensus and availability in clinical practice, criteria for guiding the weaning process were included in the protocol. Using the IWP, dysphagia is graded as either severe, moderate, or mild. The weaning process is guided through a protocol which specified the daily duration of cuff deflation until decannulation, along with recommendations for treatment and rehabilitation interventions. Data from 337 patient records (161 before and 176 after implementation) were included for effect evaluation. Decannulation rate during hospitalization was unchanged at 91% vs. 90% before and after implementation (decannulation rate at 60 days was 68% vs. 74%). After implementation, the weaning duration had decreased compared to before implementation, hazard ratio 1.309 (95%CI: 1.013; 1.693), without any increased risk of tube-reinsertion or pneumonia. Furthermore, a tendency toward decreased length of stay was seen with median 102 days (IQR: 73–138) and median 90 days (IQR: 58–119) (p = 0.061) before and after implementation, respectively. Scientific debate on weaning protocols for tracheostomy tubes are encouraged.

Introduction:
Patients with severe acquired brain injury (ABI) may still require a cuffed tracheostomy tube once they are weaned from mechanical ventilation, due to high risk of aspiration [1,2,3,4]. Prerequisites for starting oral intake of food are reduced by having a cuffed tracheostomy tube, because the tube physiologically prevents the normal movement of the larynx, thus reducing the efficiency and safety of swallowing [5] and it reduces the patients’ ability to communicate verbally, which may cause frustration and…

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