The UK National Tracheostomy Safety Project and the role of speech and language therapists

Purpose of reviewTracheostomy care is evolving, with the majority of procedures now performed percutaneously to facilitate weaning from mechanical ventilation in the critically ill. Traditional surgical indications remain, but surgical tracheostomies are increasingly performed in more complex patients and procedures. This brings unique challenges for the multidisciplinary professional team in which speech and language therapists (SLTs) have a key role.Recent findingsReviews of tracheostomy-related critical incidents have identified recurrent themes associated with adverse outcomes for this high-risk population. Recent research has highlighted the impact of tracheostomy on communication and swallowing, along with the contribution of SLTs to the multidisciplinary professional team, prompting new guidance for SLTs. The UK National Tracheostomy Safety Project has developed educational and practical resources that have been shown to improve care. Similar approaches from around the world led to the newly formed Global Tracheostomy Collaborative.SummaryPatients with tracheostomies can benefit from a co-ordinated, truly multidisciplinary approach to care. SLT-specific expertise in assessing and managing communication and swallowing needs is a vital part of this process.