Outpatient Helper Training to Improve Knowledge and Confidence in Pediatric Tracheostomy and Ventilator Care
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Authors
Lake, Kelly
Issue Date
2026-05-15
Volume
Issue
Type
Manuscript
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Keywords
pediatric tracheostomy , ventilator-dependent children , caregiver education , simulation-based training , medically complex children
Alternative Title
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Children with tracheostomies and chronic ventilator dependence require complex home-based care following hospital discharge. While primary caregivers typically receive comprehensive education prior to discharge, secondary caregivers who assist with ongoing care often receive limited formal training. This gap may contribute to reduced caregiver confidence, increased caregiver burden, and potential safety risks in the home environment. The objective of this quality improvement project was to evaluate whether a structured outpatient training program for secondary “helper” caregivers of pediatric patients with tracheostomies, with or without ventilator dependence, improved caregiver confidence, knowledge, and preparedness for home care.
METHODS: This project was conducted at a 497-bed, university-affiliated tertiary pediatric hospital with an established caregiver education program. Participants included extended family members and family friends assisting with home care for pediatric patients with tracheostomies. Caregivers attended a structured outpatient training session led by respiratory therapy staff. The intervention included instructional materials, hands-on tracheostomy and ventilator management practice and emergency scenario simulation with debriefing. Pre- and post-intervention self-efficacy surveys were administered to measure caregiver comfort and knowledge. Descriptive statistics and paired t-tests were used to analyze changes in survey scores.
RESULTS: Six caregivers completed paired surveys. Mean comfort scores increased from 3.33 to 4.02 (p = .0225), and mean knowledge scores increased from 3.27 to 4.50 (p = .0004), indicating statistically significant improvements following the intervention.
CONCLUSIONS: A structured outpatient training program for secondary caregivers improved caregiver-reported knowledge and comfort in pediatric tracheostomy and ventilator care. Expanding simulation-based training for helper caregivers may strengthen family support systems, reduce caregiver burden, and promote safer transitions from hospital to home for medically complex pediatric patients.
Keywords: pediatric tracheostomy, ventilator-dependent children, caregiver education, simulation-based training, medically complex children, caregiver preparedness, quality improvement, home care safety
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Citation
Publisher
Creighton University
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Copyright is retained by the Author. A non-exclusive distribution right is granted to Creighton University