An Overview of Tracheostomy Tubes and Mechanical Ventilation Management for the Speech-Language Pathologist

Abstract

Purpose The speech-language pathologist (SLP) plays an integral role when working with patients who have tracheostomy tubes and are on mechanical ventilation. The patients and the clinical team depend on our expertise to make critical decisions on speaking valve use, introduction of food by mouth (per os), weaning off of the ventilator, weaning from the feeding tube, and tracheostomy tube decannulation. Conclusions While not expected to be experts on the cardiopulmonary function of patients, SLPs must have a solid foundation of knowledge when it comes to patients with highly complex disease processes and care plans. This clinical focus article is meant to serve as an overview for the SLP working with tracheostomy tubes and ventilators and for those SLPs interested in entering this area of practice.