Effect of Protective Cover on the Quality of Life of Patients With Tracheostomy-A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Abstract Purpose Patients with tracheostomy experience problems such as the inability to speak, swallowing disorders, and impairment of body image. These problems adversely affect patients' quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to investigate the effect of discharge training and the use of a protective cover on the QoL of patients with tracheostomy and the problems experienced after discharge. Design A quasi-experimental study. Methods All patients (n = 24) were followed for 3 months after the preoperative period. Patients in the control group (CG) received routine care after surgery, whereas patients in the intervention group (IG) received routine care, discharge training, and a protective stoma cover. Findings The 90th postdischarge day QoL scores between the CG and IG were statistically significant. Respiratory problems were the most common postdischarge problems in both groups. Patients in the CG significantly experienced more problems than those in the IG during the postdischarge period. Conclusions This study provides that patients can benefit from discharge training and protective cover and that health care professionals become aware of the cover for future use.