Title : Psychosocial, physical problems and coping with long term/ permanent tracheostomy
Abstract:
Introduction:
Tracheostomy is a common procedure in hospital but when placed on a long term basis or permanently, it will affect both physical and psychosocial wellbeing of patients. It is important for health care provider to know about their problems and coping strategies so as to promote their well being. In India this aspect related to tracheostomy is not yet studied in detail.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out to assess the psychosocial problems using a validated Psychosocial Index (PSI), physical problem by Tracheostomy Related Adult’s Physical Problem Assessment (TRAPPA) scale, and coping strategies were used by Brief COPE. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis.
Result: Most of the patient with long term/ permanent tracheostomy found to have mild physical problems. Patients had higher psychosocial problem than the normal healthy population. Most patients used active coping, acceptance and religion as coping strategies whereas substance use and humor was least practised by the patients. There is significant difference seen in the way of coping among patients with different duration of tracheostomy, age groups, employment and marital status.
Conclusion: Patients who live chronically with tracheostomy gradually get adapted. Support from family members and significant others play a vital role in better coping with the tracheostomy in situ.
