Observational iNternational Study of TRACHeostomy Practice in Adult Intensive Care Units - ON TRACH
Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland
Summary
ON TRACH is an international, multicentre, observational study with the aim of characterising the timing and practice of tracheostomy insertion, management, weaning and longer-term outcomes of these patients, in intensive care units internationally. Participating intensive care units (ICU) will recruit all consecutive patients undergoing tracheostomy insertion over a 12 week period, aiming for broad global representation. This will allow identification of variation in care of patients with a tracheostomy in the intensive care and it's origin, to drive improvement and enhance safety and outcomes for patients with a tracheostomy in the future.
Description
Care of the patient with a tracheostomy is a core element of critical care practice. Around 20% of patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) undergo tracheostomy insertion during their stay, typically in the context of prolonged mechanical ventilation and complex rehabilitation needs. Despite its frequent use and ongoing quality improvement initiatives, considerable variation in practice continues to exist and many questions with regards to tracheostomy timing, insertion, management and longer-term outcomes remain. Variation exists not only because of patient characteristics, but also…