Development of Skill in Suctioning Technique among Caregivers of Patients

Abstract

Periodical suctioning is required to maintain the airway patent in the patients who have undergone tracheostomy. Many times the tracheostomized patients are discharged from hospital with tracheostomy tube in situ. So the caregivers need to learn the technique of suctioning. The current study was undertaken with the objective to develop skills in suctioning technique among the caregivers of the patients who are going to be discharged with tracheostomy tube in situ. An operational study was carried out in the neurosurgery wards of a tertiary care hospital in India. Sixty-four subjects were purposely selected. A pre-validated interview schedule and an observation checklist were used to collect data. First, the caregivers were observed while doing suction. Then, the procedure was demonstrated to each subject as well as an information booklet of TT suction was given to each subject. Following this, their performance score was recorded three times, i.e., on the same day, the next day and on the third day of demonstration. Data was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Majority of the subjects (89.1%) were male. 70.3% were married. Age of subjects was in the range of 18–60 years with the mean age of 30.7 ± 8.9 years. 35.9% each were educated up to matric and senior secondary level. The maximum performance score of suctioning technique was 32 (100%). Before demonstration, the mean performance score of the subjects was 0.3 ± 1.6 (0.9%). In the first return demonstration, the mean performance score was 15.1 ± 2.2 (47.2%). It increased to 23.5 ± 3.5 (73.4%) in the second and 28.6 ± 2.2 (89.3%) in the third return demonstration. The percentage difference in the mean performance score from the pre-demonstration to the first return demonstration was 46.3%, in second it was 72.5% and in third the difference was 88.4%. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.0005). The repeated measure ANOVA with a Greenhouse-Geisser correction determined that mean performance score of the subjects differed statistically significantly among all the observations {F (2.117, 133.36) = 264.2, P < 0.0005}. Performing procedure following the correct steps may decrease the complications associated with suctioning amongst the patients. The results of this study provide further strategies for other caregiver guidance programs.