GTC Toolkits

Austin Health Tracheostomy Cognitive Aids

The Global Tracheostomy Collaborative (GTC) has been instrumental in improving the safety and quality of care for patients with tracheostomies(1). Its initiatives promote best practices, support education, and foster a collaborative approach to managing tracheostomy care globally. One notable contribution from a GTC member site, Austin Health in Melbourne, Australia, is a cognitive aid which is based on the NTSP (National Tracheostomy Safety Project) guidelines and tracheostomy emergency algorithm(2). The Austin Emergency Tracheostomy Management Cognitive Aid was published in 2021(3).

Developing a Tool for Assessing and Communicating the Expected Difficulty of Performing a Tracheostomy

Abstract

There are no guidelines for assessing and communicating the expected difficulty of a tracheostomy, leading to difficulties planning a percutaneous approach in intensive care or referring onwards to surgical teams. A Delphi process was used to develop a tool containing metrics which are relevant for either specialty and can be universally assessed by both. Palpable tracheal rings, prior surgery or radiotherapy to the anterior neck, uncorrectable clotting or platelet dysfunction, ability to extend the neck freely, and overlying vessels visible, palpable or on imaging were all found to be relevant. It is hoped this tool will aid communication between specialties.

GTC Intervention Reducing the Severity of Harm of Tracheostomy-Related Adverse Events

Colours of Tracheostomy Tubes Impacting Patient Safety Perceptions and Experiences

Click to Download: Poster Presentation on colours for key parts of tracheostomy tubes impacting patient safety perceptions and experiences.

Rapid Improvements in Quality and Safety

Click to Download: Poster Presentation on SHINE: Rapid improvements in quality and safety following introductions of tracheostomy multi-disciplinary team ward rounds.

Poster Presentation on ICU Functional Communication Scale

Click to Download: Poster Presentation on ICU Functional Communication Scale to evaluate the effectiveness of communication in ventilator-dependent tracheostomy patients utilizing above cuff vocalization.

May 2015: Update on GTC’s Progress

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Impact of a Quality Improvement Collaborative in Otolaryngology

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One Institution’s Experience with a New Quality Improvement Initiative

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Joe DiMaggio’s Poster Presentation on Improving Tracheostomy Standards of Care

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