Research priorities related to tracheostomy care in intensive care
| 1. | Approaches to weaning, with comparisons between methods such as spontaneous breathing trials, reducing ventilatory support and high-flow oxygen. |
| 2. | The role of protocolised and nurse-led weaning. |
| 3. | The patient experience of weaning, and the impact of mood and motivation on outcomes. |
| 4. | The impact of early cuff deflation or cuffless tubes on weaning outcomes and optimisation of speech and oral intake. |
| 5. | The role and timing of tracheostomy tube changes (including exchanging for smaller, cuffless or fenestrated tubes), and the impact on stomal complications. |
| 6. | Comparative trials of the range of speaking adjuncts, with a focus on speech intelligibility, and benefits relating to alveolar recruitment. |
| 7. | Clinical trials of above-cuff vocalisation, with consideration of potential benefits, such as swallowing rehabilitation, and risks, such as aspiration. |
| 8. | Screening for readiness for oral intake trials and factors that contribute to delays in the commencement of oral intake. |
| 9. | The patient experience of oral intake, or lack thereof, and its impact on quality of life. |
| 10. | The role of tracheostomy multidisiciplinary teams in the intensive care setting. |