Tracheostomies and stroke: speech and language therapy as part of the multidisciplinary management of stroke in the UK

Abstract

As early stroke management develops, more patients are surviving after a severe stroke and the prevalence of tracheostomies among the stroke population is increasing. Tracheostomy is an opening in the anterior trachea through which a tracheostomy tube is placed to maintain airway patency. Tracheostomy management requires a multidisciplinary approach, with important contributions from nursing and speech and language therapists, as well as other healthcare professionals. The presence of a tracheostomy tube greatly impacts the nature and complexity of the patients' care post-stroke. However, current stroke provision in the UK may not be meeting the needs of this population, particularly with regards to prolonged weaning and transfer to post-acute and community settings. Research is required to understand the current and future needs of this patient group, to ensure that appropriate services are commissioned and clinicians specialising in stroke have the required knowledge and training to provide quality care. This paper examines the prevalence of tracheostomy among stroke patients within a stroke unit and inpatient rehabilitation unit as a basis for examining this clinical area.