Retrospective, cross-sectional review of delayed discharge after paediatric tracheostomy.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate reasons for prolonged hospitalisation of children with tracheostomies once they are medically fit for discharge.


METHODS
Retrospective, cross-sectional study of 101 children undergoing tracheostomy between 2000 and 2010.


RESULTS
Of the study patients, 44.6 per cent did not spend any time in hospital once medically fit, 19.8 per cent spent up to two weeks, 12.9 per cent spent between two weeks and one month, and 22.8 per cent spent over one month. Of the 56 cases with delayed discharge, the majority (22 children, 39.3 per cent) were delayed due to time taken obtaining parental competencies in tracheostomy management. A number of external factors were identified in these delays: parental substance abuse; single parenting; concerns about parenting ability, and English not being the parents' first language.


CONCLUSIONS
Paediatric tracheostomy may lead to prolonged hospitalisation, but this is often influenced by social factors. Better use of dedicated specialist paediatric tracheostomy nurses may reduce unnecessary hospitalisation.
Department of ENT, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, UK. amyrafferty@doctors.org.uk
A
A
Rafferty
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D
Knight
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Bew
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Knight
D000293:Adolescent; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D014139:Tracheostomy