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American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology Vol.17 265-276 August 2008. doi:10.1044/1058-0360(2008/024)
© American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
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Research

Preparation, Clinical Support, and Confidence of Speech-Language Pathologists Managing Clients With a Tracheostomy in Australia

Elizabeth Ward
Emma Agius
The University of Queensland, Australia

Maura Solley
Princess Alexandra Hospital, Queensland, Australia

Petrea Cornwell
The University of Queensland, and Princess Alexandra Hospital

Claire Jones
The University of Queensland

Contact author: Elizabeth Ward, Division of Speech Pathology, Therapies Building, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, 4072 Australia. E-mail: liz.ward{at}uq.edu.au.

Purpose: To describe the preparation and training, clinical support, and confidence of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in relation to tracheostomy client care in Australia.

Method: A survey was sent to 90 SLPs involved in tracheostomy management across Australia. The survey contained questions relating to preparation and training, clinical support, and confidence.

Results: The response rate was high (76%). The majority of SLPs were pursuing a range of professional development activities, had clinical support available, and felt confident providing care of clients with tracheostomies. Despite these findings, 45% of SLPs were not up-to-date with evidence-based practice, less than 30% were knowledgeable of the advances in tracheostomy tube technology, and only 16% felt they worked as part of an optimal team. Only half were confident and had clinical support for managing clients who were ventilated. Most (88%) believed additional training opportunities would be beneficial.

Conclusions: The current data highlight issues for health care facilities and education providers to address regarding the training and support needs of SLPs providing tracheostomy client care.

Key Words: tracheostomy, speech pathology, confidence, clinical support, training






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