Authors (including presenting author) :
Cheng KL(1), Yang WY(1), Cheung PP(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Medicine, YCH
Introduction :
The dislodgment of endotracheal tube in mechanical ventilated patient will result to crucial situation. However, due to heavy daily workload in general medical ward, nurses may not be able to provide intensive care to such critical patients. In order to maintain the endotracheal tube in-situ preventing its dislodgement, a self-designed “Christmas Strap” is tailor-made to the ventilated patients. It is simple to use, proven to prevent endotracheal dislodgement and enhance patient safety in the pilot period.
Objectives :
1. To enhance patient safety by securing right placement of the endotracheal tube
2. To prevent endotracheal tube dislodgement
Methodology :
“Christmas Strap” is designed and tailor-made to enhance endotracheal tube safety. It aims to reduce the pulling force of the tubing by anchoring the strap onto patient’s chest wall clothing.
A roll of green flat rope and baby buttons with the technique of clove hitch are used to make the “Christmas Strap”.
Result & Outcome :
Pilot period : Total: 98 cases review
Control group: 1 Jan 2020-15 Feb 2020 (63 patients on usual secure practice)
Study group: 16 Feb 2020-31 Mar 2020 (35 patients on Christmas strap)
Result:
Control group: Tubing stretching out of bedside: 79%; ETT Strap loosen: 7.9%; Potential risk of dislodgment: 79%
Study group: no abnormal episode found, no strap loosen and dislodgement
Outcome:
Subject to the encouraging result, none of episode was reported for endotracheal dislodgement. After the trial study, all patients under ventilator care in the Department of Medicine would apply the “Christmas Strap”. The nursing care to secure the endotracheal tube for ventilated patients is standardized and potential risk of dislodgement is minimized by using “Christmas Strap”.
