Article type
Abstract
"Background: In Intensive Care Units (ICUs), the use of endotracheal tubes is indispensable for patient ventilation but frequently leads to facial skin injuries due to traditional tube fixation methods. Such injuries, while often overlooked, can significantly impact patient comfort and recovery.
Objectives: To assess whether endotracheal tube holders can effectively decrease the incidence of skin injuries in ICU patients. The study focuses on the translation of this evidence-based intervention into routine clinical practice, aiming to enhance patient safety and care quality.
Methods: The study was conducted in a 37-bed medical-surgical ICU at a tertiary care center. Employing a comprehensive '7A's evidence translation approach, the process commenced with an awareness campaign among ICU staff, highlighting the prevalence and consequences of skin injuries from traditional endotracheal tube fixation. Surveys and literature reviews facilitated an understanding of current practices and the need for change. The applicability of tube holders was evaluated based on current evidence and resource availability. Subsequently, extensive training programs were conducted for ICU staff, focusing on the use and maintenance of these holders. Practical training sessions, coupled with regular checks and immediate corrections, ensured adherence to the newly introduced protocol. The study team actively addressed challenges in device fitting, particularly for patients with smaller facial structures, and integrated feedback from both patients and healthcare staff. This comprehensive approach promoted a significant shift in clinical behavior, emphasizing regular assessments of patients' skin conditions and necessary adjustments in care practices.
Results: The implementation of endotracheal tube holders in this ICU setting led to a marked reduction in skin injury rates, decreasing from 7.9% with traditional fixation methods to 1.6% with the use of holders. The effectiveness, cost, and time efficiency of the tube holders were found to be on par with, if not better than, traditional methods.
Conclusions: The introduction of endotracheal tube holders in ICU care effectively minimizes skin injuries, demonstrating the successful translation of evidence into clinical practice. This study highlights the critical role of continuous assessment and adaptation in healthcare settings to enhance patient outcomes, potentially signaling a shift in standard ICU practices for endotracheal tube management."
Objectives: To assess whether endotracheal tube holders can effectively decrease the incidence of skin injuries in ICU patients. The study focuses on the translation of this evidence-based intervention into routine clinical practice, aiming to enhance patient safety and care quality.
Methods: The study was conducted in a 37-bed medical-surgical ICU at a tertiary care center. Employing a comprehensive '7A's evidence translation approach, the process commenced with an awareness campaign among ICU staff, highlighting the prevalence and consequences of skin injuries from traditional endotracheal tube fixation. Surveys and literature reviews facilitated an understanding of current practices and the need for change. The applicability of tube holders was evaluated based on current evidence and resource availability. Subsequently, extensive training programs were conducted for ICU staff, focusing on the use and maintenance of these holders. Practical training sessions, coupled with regular checks and immediate corrections, ensured adherence to the newly introduced protocol. The study team actively addressed challenges in device fitting, particularly for patients with smaller facial structures, and integrated feedback from both patients and healthcare staff. This comprehensive approach promoted a significant shift in clinical behavior, emphasizing regular assessments of patients' skin conditions and necessary adjustments in care practices.
Results: The implementation of endotracheal tube holders in this ICU setting led to a marked reduction in skin injury rates, decreasing from 7.9% with traditional fixation methods to 1.6% with the use of holders. The effectiveness, cost, and time efficiency of the tube holders were found to be on par with, if not better than, traditional methods.
Conclusions: The introduction of endotracheal tube holders in ICU care effectively minimizes skin injuries, demonstrating the successful translation of evidence into clinical practice. This study highlights the critical role of continuous assessment and adaptation in healthcare settings to enhance patient outcomes, potentially signaling a shift in standard ICU practices for endotracheal tube management."