SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Implementation of a Tracheostomy Safety Checklist in the Intermediate Care Unit

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This initiative at Johns Hopkins Hospital aims to improve tracheostomy care in the intermediate care unit (IMCU) by implementing a standardized tracheostomy safety checklist. Tracheostomy patients are at risk for serious complications such as tube displacement, infection, airway obstruction, pressure injuries, and ICU transfer, especially in the IMCU where care may be less specialized than in the ICU.<br /><br />A multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and speech-language pathologists developed the checklist to standardize daily bedside rounds and improve communication across the care team. The checklist covers essential tracheostomy management items including ventilator and tracheostomy settings, secretion quality, suction frequency, respiratory therapy assessments, and documentation of routine care. It was also incorporated into the Epic electronic health record as a dot phrase to support consistent use and documentation.<br /><br />The project is based on evidence that safety checklists can improve teamwork, communication, guideline adherence, and patient outcomes in high-risk settings. Prior studies have shown reductions in adverse events and improvements in morbidity, mortality, infection rates, and length of stay when checklists are used in ICU and procedural care.<br /><br />Over a six-month period, the team will collect data to evaluate the checklist’s impact on tracheostomy-related adverse events, ICU upgrades, pressure injuries, and length of stay. Staff surveys will also assess satisfaction and whether the checklist improves confidence and care delivery. Overall, the goal is to standardize care, strengthen interdisciplinary coordination, and improve patient safety and outcomes for tracheostomy patients in the IMCU.

Asset Subtitle

Sandra M. Johnson

Meta Tag

Author List Benjamin E. Bodnar, Rebecca Engels, Rebecca Meredith, Sandra M. Johnson

Category Innovations

Concept Tracheostomy Safety Checklist

Concept Patient Safety

Concept Multidisciplinary Team

Concept Tube Displacement

Concept Interprofessional Communication

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Johns Hopkins Hospital

Presenting Author Sandra M. Johnson

Track Quality Improvement

Keywords

tracheostomy care

safety checklist

intermediate care unit

patient safety

standardized rounds

interdisciplinary communication

airway obstruction

pressure injuries

Epic electronic health record

ICU transfer

Tracheostomy Safety Checklist

Patient Safety

Multidisciplinary Team

Tube Displacement

Interprofessional Communication