Garcia-Rodriguez L, Miah T, Lindholm J, Chang S, Ghanem T. EKG Electrode as a Tactile Locator of Stoma after Decannulation: A Pilot Study.
OTO Open 2017;
1:2473974X17691223. [PMID:
30480174 PMCID:
PMC6239050 DOI:
10.1177/2473974x17691223]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Revised: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective
We aimed to evaluate the use of an electrocardiogram (EKG) electrode over
decannulation dressings covering the stoma to improve speech intelligibility
and volume and reduce air escape by facilitating identification of the
“sweet spot” of the dressing. No objective data exist for patient outcomes
with use of the EKG electrode dressing.
Methods
This prospective study included head and neck oncology patients at a tertiary
hospital who received a tracheostomy. A standard tracheostomy decannulation
dressing was placed followed by an EKG electrode. A speech pathologist
evaluated speech volume via sound-level meter and captured speech
intelligibility for random sentence-level speech. A blinded reviewer scored
speech samples for intelligibility. Patients completed a 4-question
satisfaction survey.
Results
Four patients completed the study. Based on the survey, the patients favored
the button, with the lowest scores being 8.5 out of 10. Speech understanding
was 48.5% without the button and 83% with the button. Normal speech volume
was 73.75 dB without the button and 77.75 dB with the button. Loud speech
volume was 80.75 dB without the button and 87 dB with the button.
Discussion
This pilot study shows objective benefits of the EKG button as well as
improved patient satisfaction. Inexpensive and low maintenance, the EKG
electrode provides better occlusion of stoma dressing with easier
localization.
Implications for Practice
Dissemination of our results will aim to improve quality and patient outcomes
following decannulation.
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