Current practice of tracheal suctioning for tracheostomized patients at the General Internal Medicine Department Nam Dinh General Hospital

Abstract

Objective: To describe the current practice of tracheal suctioning among nurses caring for tracheostomized patients at the General Internal Medicine Department, Nam Dinh General Hospital in 2023. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted through direct observation of 271 suctioning procedures performed by nurses from January to August 2023. Data were collected using a standardized checklist and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The proportion of procedures performed in full compliance with the suctioning protocol was 71.6%; 28.4% did not fully adhere to the protocol. The most frequently missed steps included hand hygiene (87.08%), use of sterile gauze (91.51%), placing clean towel/paper under the suction site (88.19%), and informing/encouraging the patient (82.66%). Conclusion: The rate of adherence to the tracheal suctioning protocol remains suboptimal. Failure to perform critical steps may compromise the effectiveness and safety of care. Regular training, supervision, and standardization of suctioning procedures are necessary to improve nursing practice and ensure safe, effective care for tracheostomized patients.