Title
Critical care guidance for tracheostomy care during the covid-19 pandemic: A global, multidisciplinary approach
Date Issued
01 November 2020
Access level
metadata only access
Resource Type
journal article
Author(s)
Pandian V.
Morris L.L.
Brodsky M.B.
Lynch J.
Rushton C.
Phillips J.
Rahman A.
Derose T.
Lambe L.
Lami L.
Wu S.P.M.
Garza F.P.
Maiani S.
Zavalis A.
Okusanya K.A.
McGrath B.A.
Pelosi P.
Sole M.L.
Davidson P.
Brenner M.J.
Walsh B.
Publisher(s)
American Association Critical-Care Nurses
Abstract
Purpose Critical care nurses caring for patients with a tracheostomy are at high risk because of the predilection of SARS-CoV-2 for respiratory and mucosal surfaces. This review identifies patient-centered practices that ensure safety and reduce risk of infection transmission to health care workers during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods Consensus statements, guidelines, institutional recommendations, and scientific literature on COVID-19 and previous outbreaks were reviewed. A global interdisciplinary team analyzed and prioritized findings via electronic communications and video conferences to develop consensus recommendations. Results Aerosol-generating procedures are commonly performed by nurses and other health care workers, most notably during suctioning, tracheostomy tube changes, and stoma care. Patient repositioning, readjusting circuits, administering nebulized medications, and patient transport also present risks. Standard personal protective equipment includes an N95/FFP3 mask with or without surgical masks, gloves, goggles, and gown when performing aerosol-generating procedures for patients with known or suspected COVID-19. Viral testing of bronchial aspirate via tracheostomy may inform care providers when determining the protective equipment required. The need for protocols to reduce risk of transmission of infection to nurses and other health care workers is evident. Conclusion Critical care nurses and multidisciplinary teams often care for patients with a tracheostomy who are known or suspected to have COVID-19. Appropriate care of these patients relies on safeguarding the health care team. The practices described in this review may greatly reduce risk of infectious transmission. (American Journal of Critical Care. 2020;29:e116-e127).
Start page
e116
End page
e127
Volume
29
Issue
6
Language
English
OCDE Knowledge area
Enfermería
Cuidado crítico y de emergencia
Epidemiología
Scopus EID
2-s2.0-85094965262
PubMed ID
Source
American Journal of Critical Care
ISSN of the container
10623264
Sources of information:
Directorio de Producción Científica
Scopus