title: Neck stoma patients: is vital information displayed at the bedside?
abstract: Tracheostomies are common procedures in head and neck and critical care practice, with 50% of airway-related deaths attributable to complications such as occlusion or displacement. The National Tracheostomy Safety Project (NTSP) published guidance regarding emergency management of neck stoma patients. A prospective multicentre regional audit of all neck stoma inpatients (ward and intensive care unit (ICU) settings) was conducted. Bed spaces were assessed for tracheostomy care bundles and essential stoma information, as recommended by the NTSP guidelines. The results demonstrate inadequate ward compliance across all three trusts, with ICU compliance greater in comparison to a ward environment. Of note, crucial information regarding the nature of stoma and whom to contact in the event of an emergency, was not displayed in the majority of cases. A greater awareness of the NTSP guidance and implementation of vital information is a necessity across all disciplines in order to reduce stoma complication-related morbidity and mortality.
authors.affiliation: ENT Registrar, Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust.
authors.forename: Adnan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Darr
authors.affiliation: ENT Registrar, Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust.
authors.forename: Somiah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Siddiq
authors.affiliation: ENT Registrar, University Hospitals North Midlands NHS Trust.
authors.forename: Karan
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Jolly
authors.affiliation: Consultant Head & Neck Surgeon, Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust & Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust.
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Spinou
mesh_terms: D058109:Airway Management / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000592:standards; D054869:Clinical Audit; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D008297:Male; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014139:Tracheostomy / Q000592:standards*; D006113:United Kingdom
keywords: Airway management; Critical care; Intensive care units; Laryngectomy; Tracheostomy