Implementation of a Speech-Language Pathologist–Led Tracheostomy Team in a Level 1 Trauma Hospital

Abstract

Purpose: Cited benefits of a tracheostomy team include reduction in adverse events, length of stay (LOS), and hospital costs. However, there is a lack of research regarding the implementation and benefits of a speech-language pathologist (SLP)-led tracheostomy team. Our goal is to evaluate the effect of an SLP-led tracheostomy team in trauma patients. Method: An SLP-led tracheostomy team was implemented in the trauma service at Hospital Corporations of America Florida Kendall Hospital as a quality improvement project. Data were collected from January 1, 2021, to August 31, 2022. Patients were divided into a pre-tracheostomy team cohort, which served as a historical control, and a post-tracheostomy team cohort. SLP consult, days to SLP consult, Passy-Muir Valve (PMV) use, days to PMV, oral diet, days to start oral diet, downsizing the tracheostomy tube, days to downsize, decannulation, days to decannulation, and LOS were the outcome measures of interest. Pearson's chi-square and Mann–Whitney tests were used to evaluate for a significant difference ( p < .05) between the pre-tracheostomy team cohort and the post-tracheostomy team cohort. Results: Ninety-one patients were included in the final analysis (36 pre-tracheostomy team cohort, 55 post-tracheostomy team cohort). Pre-tracheostomy team and post-tracheostomy team cohorts were grossly similar ( p > .05) in age, sex, and primary admission diagnosis. We found an increase in SLP consultation (58.3%–89.1%, p < .001), PMV utilization (44.4%–67.3%, p = .031), and decannulation (8.3%–30.9%, p = .011). Days to SLP consult decreased when comparing pre-tracheostomy team to post-tracheostomy team cohorts from 6 to 2, respectively ( p < .001). Conclusions: Our approach of placing the SLP in the leading role is novel. After implementation of an SLP-led tracheostomy team, we saw improved outcomes of tracheostomy patients in the trauma population. SLPs should be included as integral members and potential leaders of tracheostomy teams based on their experience and expertise in tracheostomized patient care.