Emergency management of neck stoma patients during the coronavirus pandemic: a national nurse survey.

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Authors
Brookes, Kim
Darr, Adnan
Issue Date
2021-06-24
Journal
Type
Article
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Keywords
Clinical deficiencies
COVID-19
Education
Electronic survey
Emergency care
Emergency medicine
ENT nurses
Health care surveys
Inadequate training
Laryngectomy
Management
National study
Nursing
Nursing education
Prospective study
Questionnaire
Royal College of Nursing
Social media
Survey
Tracheostomy
United Kingdom
Journal Title
British Journal of Nursing
Volume
30
Issue
12
Begin page
742
End page
746
Abstract
Background: Neck stoma patient care involves significant clinical complexity. Inadequate staff training, equipment provision and infrastructure have all been highlighted as causes for avoidable patient harm. Aims: To establish the perception of knowledge and confidence levels relating to the emergency management of neck stomas among UK nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: A nationwide prospective electronic survey of both primary and secondary care nurses via the Royal College of Nursing and social media. Findings: 402 responses were collated: 81 primary care and 321 secondary care; the majority (n=130) were band 5. Forty-nine per cent could differentiate between a laryngectomy and a tracheostomy; ENT nurses scored highest (1.56; range 0-2) on knowledge. Fifty-seven per cent could oxygenate a tracheostomy stoma correctly and 54% could oxygenate a laryngectomy stoma correctly. Sixty-five per cent cited inadequate neck stoma training and 91% felt inclusion of neck stoma training was essential within the nursing curriculum. Conclusion: Clinical deficiencies of management identified by nurses can be attributed to a lack of confidence secondary to reduced clinical exposure and education.
Citation
Senior A, Chan J, Brookes K, Jolly K, Darr A, Ameen R. Emergency management of neck stoma patients during the coronavirus pandemic: a national nurse survey. Br J Nurs. 2021 Jun 24;30(12):742-746. doi: 10.12968/bjon.2021.30.12.742. PMID: 34170732.