Tracheostomy care education and its effect on knowledge and burden of caregivers of elderly patients: a quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Introduction Tracheostomy is defined as the surgical procedure for creating an opening at the 3rd or 4th cartilage ring in the anterior wall of the trachea to provide airway patency. It was known that tracheostomy is regarded as the oldest known life-saving method. Tracheostomy care involves a complex care process that requires knowledge and skills for elderly patients and their caregivers. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of tracheostomy training, provided to caregivers of patients with tracheostomy, on caregivers' burden and knowledge levels regarding the tracheostomy care. Methods The study population consists of caregivers who provide home care for patients with tracheostomy who were divided into two groups as the control group (n = 30) and the experimental group (n = 30) with the separation of the patients admitted to the outpatient clinic. Results In the intergroup comparison of experimental and control group post-test score averages, the difference between the Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale score averages and the mean knowledge scores was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion In line with these results, it may be advisable to perform repeated tests at regular intervals after the provision of education to the caregivers.