- Design
- Three-arm randomised controlled study, pretest-posttest
- Population
- 66 caregivers of tracheostomy patients who completed follow-up
- Primary outcome
- Tracheal suction knowledge and skill scores at 30 days
- Effect
- Simulation > mobile app > routine teaching (p < 0.001); effect sizes not reported in abstract
A randomised study assigned 77 primary caregivers of people with tracheostomies, many after head and neck cancer, to simulation training on a model, a mobile application, or routine bedside teaching; 66 completed it.
Knowledge and skill scores differed significantly between groups: simulation scored highest, the app next and routine teaching lowest. Scores at 30 days were higher than immediately after training. The abstract does not give effect sizes.
The study is small and from one setting, and the outcomes are knowledge and skill scores rather than complications such as tube blockage or readmission.
Still, safe home suctioning depends on caregivers, and routine teaching came out weakest. Hands-on practice on a model before discharge is a low-cost improvement.
- Give caregivers hands-on practice on a model before discharge.
- Watch caregivers perform suction rather than only explaining it.
- Offer video or app-based reminders for use at home.
- Check technique again at the first follow-up.
Why it matters
Home tracheostomy safety rests on caregiver skill, and the usual bedside teaching performed worst.
Don't overread it
Measured knowledge and skill scores, not tube emergencies or readmissions.
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