Abstract

Background: Home care of a patient with a tracheostomy after surgery for head and neck cancer requires the caregiver to be proficient with new equipment and required skills. The responsibility of managing an artificial airway, may lead to an increase in caregiver anxiety. Education of caregivers varies; it is often a 1:1 impromptu instruction provided by the patient's nurse and/or respiratory therapist. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the T-CARES course on caregiver anxiety and tracheostomy suctioning competency. Method: A quasi-experimental non-randomized control group design was used. The independent variable was method of instruction (T-CARES versus standard). Dependent variables were caregiver anxiety and tracheostomy suction competence. Caregivers (n=12) self selected into groups based on availability to attend T-CARES course. The control group was to receive the unit-based standard of education. The experimental group participated in the T-CARES course. Only one person chose to be in the control group; therefore, data were analyzed for the experimental group only (N=11). The T-CARES course, created by the researcher, was standardized and instructor-led; it incorporated media and simulated practice. Caregiver anxiety for both groups was obtained before (State/Trait Anxiety) and after (State Anxiety) tracheostomy care instruction was provided. Tracheostomy suctioning competence was assessed using a standardized checklist for participants in the T-CARES study group only. Demographic data were summarized with frequencies and descriptive statistics. Given the small sample size, non-parametric statistics were used for data analysis. Results: Data were analyzed from the experimental group only (n=11). The majority of caregivers were women (n=7), white/caucasian (n=10), married (n=8), employed full time (n=7), and were high school graduates or higher (n=10). The mean age of participants was 50.8 years.; Seven of the participants reported previous caregiver experience. Mean score of caregiver trait anxiety was 36.8. Mean caregiver state anxiety score was 50.5 before, and 34.3 after the T-CARES intervention. A Related-Samples Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test was performed on the pre and post T-CARES intervention state anxiety scores. The T-CARES intervention significantly reduced anxiety (p=.008). Tracheostomy suctioning competency for 9 of the participants was evaluated upon completion of T-CARES. Mean score was10.8 skills performed correctly out of a possible 14. Caregivers' responses regarding their biggest fear/concern about tracheostomy care included "not doing it right," "trach coming out or being blocked," "hurting the patient," and "not being able to help in an emergency." Participants' suggestions for future improvements were creation of a Spanish language course and the addition of supplementary training to include CPR, First Aid, and the management of feeding tubes. Discussion: Research supported the hypothesis that the T-CARES course would be successful in reducing state anxiety. The T-CARES course also had a positive impact on tracheostomy suctioning competency, though without a control group it is difficult to quantify the effect. The continued development and dissemination of T-CARES to all tracheostomy patients and their caregivers may ease their transition home. The views expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the US Air Force, Department of Defense or the US Government.

Notes

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Thesis Completion

2012

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Sole, Mary Lou

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.)

College

College of Nursing

Degree Program

Nursing

Subjects

Dissertations, Academic -- Nursing;Nursing -- Dissertations, Academic

Format

PDF

Identifier

CFH0004138

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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Nursing Commons

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