Efficiency of different approaches in teaching tracheal suctioning procedure to caregivers of tracheostomy patients: randomized controlled study.
Yeliz Şapulu Alakan, Neriman Akansel, Olgun Deniz
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled study compared simulation-based and mobile application training with routine bedside instruction for primary caregivers of people with tracheostomies, including patients with head and neck cancer. Of 77 caregivers randomized, 66 completed the study and were analysed, with 22 in each group. Knowledge and skill assessment scores differed significantly between groups (p = 0.000): simulation achieved the highest scores, mobile training ranked second, and routine training scored lowest. Knowledge and skills improved more at the 30-day assessment than immediately after training.
Key findings
- Among 66 caregivers analysed, assessment scores differed significantly between groups (p = 0.000).
- Simulation training produced the highest knowledge and skill scores, followed by mobile application training and routine bedside instruction.
- Knowledge and skill improvements were greater at the 30-day follow-up than immediately after training.
Why it matters
Caregivers’ ability to perform tracheal suctioning is relevant to supportive care after tracheostomy. The findings suggest that structured teaching methods can improve assessed knowledge and skills, with simulation performing best in this study. Mobile training also outperformed routine bedside instruction, indicating a possible way to extend caregiver education beyond in-person teaching.
What to keep in mind
Eleven of the 77 randomized participants withdrew, leaving 66 caregivers in the final analysis. Outcomes were assessed through the 30th day, so longer-term retention is not established.