GIFT: Qualitative Evaluation of Assistive Technologies
Guided Insertion of Tracheostomy (GIFT): Qualitative Evaluation of Assistive Technologies
- Hospital – Speciality: Wythenshawe Hospital and North Manchester General Hospital. Critical Care
- Study type: Interviews and focus groups
- Funder:NIHR Invention for Innovation
Summary
This study is part of a 3-year device development program which has the overall aim of designing and developing a prototype medical device to precisely guide the needle insertion for percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy tubes. Tracheostomy tubes are small plastic tubes that are inserted into the front of the neck to help patients breathe. The commonest indication for new tracheostomy is to allow patients to gradually recover after critical illness in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The tracheostomy allows the patient to be awake, but still receive support from a ventilator, which is gradually reduced before eventually the tracheostomy tube is removed. Insertion of the tracheostomy tube is usually performed at the bedside in the ICU by ICU medical staff. Around 5% of insertion attempts can cause complications, usually related to misplacement of the needle used to hit the trachea – the first critical step of bedside ICU tracheostomy. In this qualitative part of the study (Work Package 1), we aim to identify and quantify the requirements of the prototype, in terms of user needs and workflow integration.
This is a qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews and focus groups undertaken with staff at three distinctly different ICUs within our large and complex NHS Trust. We aim to identify themes and insights into the work of ICU tracheostostmy performance, existing workflows including challenges and deficiencies, and how a guidance device could help meet these needs without adversely affecting ergonomics or workflow. The findings from WP1 will be used to inform other work packages in the larger project.
Participant group
Critical Care Staff
Participant approach
The research team will meet the local site/unit lead for tracheostomy at the initiation visit. The local lead will identify potential staff participants based on their role in the workplace, relevant to tracheostomy insertion.
The research team will provide a template email to the local lead to send out to potential staff recruits via internal hospital email.
Study open date and expected length
Opened: 26 August 2024
Expected end date: February 2024
Results
Pending – this study is still active.
Contact details
Telephone number: 0161 291 6420
Email address: Brendan.mcgrath@manchester.ac.uk
- IRAS number: 344825
