Towards an improved understanding of the effect of a speaking valve on lung volumes and communication in the critically ill tracheostomised patient

Abstract

Tracheostomised mechanically ventilated patients are often left unable to speak, which is frustrating for patients and the staff caring for them. Having no voice causes major distress and feelings of helplessness for patients. Voicelessness frequently leads to reduced information exchange between the patient and healthcare team, frequently to the detriment of patient care. An in-line speaking valve (SV) is a one-way valve that may be used in the mechanical ventilation circuit to enable verbal communication in tracheostomised patients.Limited data exist regarding the effect of SVs on respiratory mechanics. Deflation of the tracheostomy cuff is required for placement of the SV, effectively causing a "leak" in the As an experienced speech pathologist, I believe concerns over SV use to date have little evidence. The main objective, and first aim of this thesis was to investigate the effect of SV use on respiratory mechanics to determine whether SVs should be used in-line with mechanical ventilation of tracheostomised patients. The second aim was to assess the effect of introducing SVs into a cardio-thoracic ICU on patient tracheostomy specific outcomes. The third aim was to further clarify the effect of SVs on success with healthrelated communication for ICU patients. To achieve these aims, 5 studies were conducted, resulting in 5 manuscripts.For the first aim, 20 tracheostomised ICU patients using a SV that met the inclusion criteria were recruited to the study from November 2013-December 2014. Electrical Impedance iii Tomography (EIT) was used to assess the patients' end-expiratory lung impedance (EELI) and ventilation distribution continuously over 60 minutes (before, during and after SV use). For the third aim, 25 patients and 52 nursing staff were asked to fill out a custom-made questionnaire on success with health communication, firstly when the patients were voiceless, and, secondly, when they were using a SV. Chapter 7 highlights individual differences and some disparity between patient and nursing ratings of communication success. Overall, however, following SV use both the patients and nursing staff reported a significant improvement in success with health communication. Additional variables included oxygenation (SpOIn conclusion, the findings of this thesis addressed the research aims, and provide new knowledge through use of an innovative approach to assessing lung mechanics. Having iv already resulted in real clinical changes in our centre, the results indicate the potential for optimising communication, using SVs in tracheostomised cardiothoracic ICU patients undergoing weaning from mechanical ventilation.v

Benefits and options for voice restoration in mechanically ventilated intensive care unit patients with a tracheostomy

“…29 Using cuff deflation and a OWV in-line will enable laryngeal rehabilitation to begin. We advocate commencing 27 laryngeal weaning as early as possible, ideally prior to ventilator weaning, thereby promoting sensation and activation of muscles in and around the laryngeal complex, decreasing the risk of further muscle wasting. This, in turn may improve swallowing outcomes for the patient leading to earlier commencement of oral intake and decannulation.…”