Aim of the Course

This course aims to develop the knowledge required to provide safe, person-centred tracheostomy care, recognise complications and respond promptly to airway deterioration.

It also prepares learners to work safely within their competence, follow the person-specific care plan, maintain emergency readiness and seek specialist clinical assistance when required.

Scope of the Course

This course is suitable for:

1. Registered nurses
2. Nursing associates
3. Healthcare assistants
4. Senior carers
5. Support workers
6. Staff supporting adults with established tracheostomies
7. Managers overseeing tracheostomy-care services

The course is primarily intended for adult care homes, community services, supported living and comparable settings in England.

Online learning alone does not establish practical competence. Before performing any tracheostomy-care activity independently, staff must receive:

1. Role-appropriate practical training
2. Person-specific instruction
3. Supervised clinical practice
4. Direct competency assessment
5. Equipment-specific training
6. Continuing supervision and reassessment

Activities such as tracheal suctioning, cuff management, tube changes, use of speaking valves and emergency tube replacement must only be undertaken when specifically authorised and within documented competence.

What This Course Covers

The course covers:

1. Tracheostomy anatomy, terminology and indications
2. Types and components of tracheostomy tubes
3. Differences between tracheostomy and laryngectomy
4. Person-centred assessment and care planning
5. Routine airway and stoma care
6. Humidification and secretion management
7. Tracheal suctioning
8. Inner-cannula care
9. Tracheostomy tapes, ties and dressings
10. Cuff management
11. Communication, speaking valves and swallowing
12. Nutrition, hydration and oral care
13. Infection prevention and respiratory monitoring
14. Emergency equipment and bedhead information
15. Blocked or displaced tracheostomy tubes
16. Bleeding and other serious complications
17. Emergency response and escalation
18. Documentation, handover and competency assessment

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, learners should be able to:

1. Define a tracheostomy and explain its common purposes.
2. Describe how a tracheostomy changes normal airway function.
3. Distinguish a tracheostomy from a total laryngectomy.
4. Identify common tracheostomy-tube components.
5. Explain personal accountability and role limitations.
6. Locate essential person-specific airway information.
7. Complete routine safety and emergency-equipment checks.
8. Explain the importance of humidification and hydration.
9. Assess and report changes in respiratory secretions.
10. Describe the principles and risks of tracheal suctioning.
11. Explain safe inner-cannula care.
12. Assess the stoma and surrounding skin.
13. Identify concerns relating to tube position or security.
14. Explain the purpose and risks of an inflated cuff.
15. Support communication, dignity and psychological wellbeing.
16. Recognise possible swallowing or aspiration difficulties.
17. Provide appropriate oral care.
18. Apply relevant infection-prevention precautions.
19. Recognise respiratory deterioration promptly.
20. Identify warning signs of a blocked or displaced tube.
21. Recognise bleeding and other serious complications.
22. Follow the person-specific emergency and escalation plan.
23. Explain why oxygenation and expert assistance are emergency priorities.
24. Document tracheostomy care and escalation accurately.
25. Explain why online completion does not replace practical competency assessment.

Further Reading and References

1. Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014—Regulation 12 — requires providers to assess risks and deliver care and treatment safely.
2. CQC: Regulation 18—Staffing — requires sufficient, suitably qualified, competent, skilled and experienced staff.
3. National Tracheostomy Safety Project: Basic Tracheostomy Care — practical professional resources covering tubes, humidification, suctioning, inner-cannula care, cuff management and routine checks.
4. National Tracheostomy Safety Project: Adult Emergency Care — emergency algorithms and resources for recognising and responding to tracheostomy and laryngectomy emergencies.