Description

This How to module aims to provide an overview of the skills required to perform a tracheostomy dressing and inner cannula change. Proactive tracheostomy management increases patient safety and reduces adverse events. A cleaning regimen performed every four hours reduces the risk of a blocked tracheostomy cannula, complete tube occlusion and respiratory arrest. Sterile tracheostomy dressings allow secretions from the stoma to be absorbed and prevent pressure damage from the tracheostomy tube. Regular dressing changes and skin inspection permit timely identification of inflammatory processes and skin excoriation, enabling prompt treatment to be instigated.