Perceptions of critically ill individuals with acute and chronic spinal cord injury requiring a tracheostomy tube

Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-024-00624-7 · Published: February 29, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Critical Care Surgery

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how patients with acute (ASCI) or chronic (CSCI) spinal cord injuries perceive having a tracheostomy tube while in critical care. Researchers used a questionnaire to assess perceptions related to breathing, coughing, pain, speaking, swallowing, and comfort. The study found that ASCI patients reported more pain and swallowing problems than CSCI patients, but there were no significant differences in perceptions of speaking and overall comfort between the two groups.

Study Duration

June 8, 2020, to March 8, 2021

Participants

51 persons with ASCI (n = 31) and CSCI (n = 20)

Evidence Level

Observational study

Key Findings

1
Individuals with ASCI reported significantly more frequent pain at initial assessment compared to individuals with CSCI (p ≤0.014).
2
Individuals with ASCI reported significantly more problems in swallowing at initial assessment compared to individuals with CSCI (p ≤0.002).
3
No difference between ASCI and CSCI was reported with respect to speaking and overall comfort.

Research Summary

This study evaluated the perceptions of patients requiring a tracheostomy tube and aimed to identify possible different perceptions in critically ill patients with acute (ASCI) or chronic spinal cord injuries (CSCI). The study found that ASCI patients reported significantly more pain and swallowing problems compared to CSCI patients. The authors conclude that it is necessary to regularly assess the perceptions of critically ill patients with tracheostomy tubes with ASCI or CSCI in the daily ICU care routine.

Practical Implications

Regular Assessment

Regularly assess perceptions of critically ill patients with tracheostomy tubes to improve daily ICU care.

Pain Management

ASCI patients may require better pain management strategies.

Swallowing Support

Address swallowing difficulties reported by ASCI patients.

Study Limitations

1
Limited size of the sub-samples of the ASCI and CSCI patients.
2
The perspective should be extended to compare ASCI and CSCI patients to other patients with tracheostomies.
3
More than two assessments per patient are needed to obtain a more elaborate picture of the changes in problems with respiration, coughing, pain, speaking, swallowing, and comfort.

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