Interdisciplinary Clinical Practice Recommendations for the New Tracheostomy - August 10, 2023
Course description:
This course is a real time case-based problem-solving experience jointly presented by a speech pathologist, respiratory therapist and registered nurse highly skilled in the management of patients after tracheostomy. Participants will gain knowledge of interdisciplinary clinical practice recommendations for the care of patients after a new tracheostomy related to tracheostomy tubes, cuffs, post-operative trach care and complications and emergency management.
Course objectives:
1. Summarize the importance of trach tube cuffs, pressures, and routine manometer use.
2. Discuss the importance of humidification, suction, and trach care in the patient with a new tracheostomy.
3. Describe common post-operative complications and wound care prevention.
4. Define interdisciplinary roles and responsibilities in response to airway emergencies.
Webinar recording:
Speakers:
Rebecca Ruffing, MA CCC-SLP
Rebecca (Becky) Ruffing has worked at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System as a speech-language pathologist since 2012. She is passionate about the care of veterans with surgical airways and collaborates with providers across a range of medical settings to optimize outcomes for this unique patient population. In addition to acting as a direct care provider to veterans with tracheostomies and laryngectomies Becky is a member of the Surgical Airways Interdisciplinary Treatment Team at VAPHS and she has assisted in the development of new surgical airway order sets and education and reference materials for staff, patients, and family members.
Disclosure: Rebecca Ruffing has the following financial relationship or relationship affiliations to disclose: She is employed by VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System/U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs and receives a salary. She has no relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
Jake McKee, RT
Jacob “Jake” Mckee is a Respiratory Therapist with 19 years’ experience and has been at VA Pittsburgh since 2014 in the Critical Care Service Line. Since starting at the VA he has had the privilege of being involved in several education opportunities which currently includes teaching a ventilator workshop for medical students. He truly enjoys working with his fellow RTs, nurses, doctors, SLPs and other medical professionals at the VA to help in the care of our nation's veterans.
Disclosure: Jake McKee has the following financial relationship or relationship affiliations to disclose: He is employed by VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System/U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs and receives a salary. He has no relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
Danielle Jones, RN
Danielle Jones is a registered nurse who graduated from the Community College of Allegheny College in 2009. Shortly thereafter, she began her career and developed extensive experience caring for patients with tracheostomy in the Trauma ICU at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, which is a Level 1 Trauma Center. Three years ago, she joined the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System where she is a nurse in the Medical ICU and proudly serves the veteran population.
Disclosure: Danielle Jones has the following financial relationship or relationship affiliations to disclose: She is employed by VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System/U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs and receives a salary. She has no relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
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