Tracheostomy Practice in Adult Intensive Care Units

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 from an organisational perspective with diversity in hospital settings, system demands and governance structures. These inconsistencies lead to deficiencies in care and avoidable harm, increased morbidity and mortality.

This is an international multicentre prospective observational study to comprehensively characterise current tracheostomy practice. The study aims to describe the indications, timing, techniques, and management of tracheostomy insertion and care; to evaluate patient-centred outcomes and procedure-related adverse events; and to explore the organisational structures and models of care supporting tracheostomised patients in the ICU and beyond. This will allow us to identify variation in care, it's origin, drive improvement and enhance safety and outcomes for patients with a tracheostomy in the future.

Inclusion criteria

• Greater than 18 years of age
• Tracheostomy insertion during critical care admission

Exclusion criteria

• Tracheostomy prior to critical care admission
• Elective tracheostomy insertion for head and neck pathology
• Tracheostomy insertion for emergency surgical management of airway obstruction
• Mini tracheostomy insertion only