A 5-Year Review of a Tracheostomy Quality Improvement Initiative: Reducing Adverse Event Frequency and Severity

ObjectiveThe number of tracheostomies performed annually in resource-rich countries is estimated at 250,000. While an essential procedure, approximately 20% to 30% of patients will experience at least 1 tracheostomy-related adverse event. Within tracheostomy care and across wider health care environments, quality improvement (QI) programs have been shown to reduce patient harm and improve outcomes. Herein we report on a 5-year long, tracheostomy QI initiative aimed at improving patient experience and reducing the frequency and severity of adverse events.MethodsA 5-year (ongoing) QI initiative led by the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board tracheostomy team, within a tertiary, 1000-bedded hospital in South Wales, United Kingdom. The QI initiative has focused on 3 main themes: (1) Education and training; (2) Clinical oversight and decision making; and (3) improved data collection. Data were collected from existing tracheostomy databases.ResultsOver the past 5 years, we have observed a sustained reduction in both the frequency and severity of adverse events, with less than 1 patient per 100 experiencing a moderate or severe adverse event. This has resulted in improvements in patient experience and a cost reduction of GBP364,726 pound per annum.DiscussionOur 5-year ongoing tracheostomy QI initiative has resulted in improved outcomes with increased achievement of tracheostomy weaning markers and sustained reductions in both the frequency and severity of adverse events.Implications for PracticeA continuous focus on QI is associated with improved patient and service outcomes. These improvements can be spread and scaled to benefit more patients and organizations.