Nursing care of patients fitted with a tracheostomy speaking valve

As the number of patients who are ventilator dependent increase, the tracheostomy has become an increasingly popular procedure. Inability to either communicate verbally or take food and liquids orally constitute the main distress symptom of patients, which can delay progress in treating the conditions of patients undergoing tracheostomies. Passy-Muir speaking valves (PMV) succeed in overcoming the abovementioned problems and clinical practice is gradually broadening. This article introduces the relevant underlying principles, indications, advantages, disadvantages and nursing principles of PMV. We hope this article can provide new information related to the PMV speaking valve and, as a result, help improve patient's security and medical quality.