Tracheostomy care of non‐ventilated patients and COVID considerations: A scoping review of clinical practice guidelines and consensus statements

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to examine and evaluate the existing clinical practice guidelines and consensus statements regarding tracheostomy care for non-mechanically ventilated patients. METHODS: A systematic search of databases, and professional organisations was conducted from inception to 19 March 2023. Two appraisers evaluated each guideline using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation II (AGREE II) and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Text and Opinion Papers. RESULTS: No specific clinical guidelines exist on airway management in non-mechanically ventilated patients. Of 6318 articles identified, we included 12 clinical practice guidelines, and 9 consensus statements, which were from China, the US, the UK, South Korea, Australia, France and Belgium. The AGREE II scores in six domains are (1) the scope and purpose, 70.30%; (2) stakeholder involvement, 37.61%; (3) rigor of development, 33.97%; (4) clarity of presentation, 68.16%; (5) applicability, 44.23% and (6) editorial independence, 40.06%. The overall quality of evidence was level B. The summarised recommendations for clinical practice encompass the following six areas: airway humidification, management of the trach cuff, management of inner cannula, tracheostoma care, tracheostomy suctioning and management and prevention of common post-operative complications. CONCLUSIONS: The overall quality of the clinical guidelines on non-ventilated tracheostomy care was moderate, and further improvements are needed in domains of stakeholder involvement, applicability, clarity of presentation and editorial independence. Recommendations on non-ventilated tracheostomy care are often embedded in the guidelines on ventilated tracheostomy. Specific clinical guidelines are needed to provide a standardised approach to tracheostomy care for non-ventilated patients. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Patients with non-ventilated tracheostomy need specialised airway management. Improving patient outcomes requires standardised protocols, patient involvement, quality evaluation, and interdisciplinary approaches. NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: The study reviewed clinical practice guidelines and consensus statements, therefore patient or public input was not needed.