An Experimental Study to Identify the Learning Needs of Patients with Tracheostomy and Evaluate Effectiveness of a Self Instructional Module (SIM) for Home Management of Patients in a Selected Hospital of Delhi

Abstract

Tracheostomies are becoming increasingly common both within the acute setting and the community. The number of tracheostomies performed has increased steadily due to rising incidence of head and neck cancer. As a result of this there is an expectation of increased knowledge and more advanced skills in caring for these patients both in health care setting and at home after discharge The objectives of the study were to identify and analyze the learning needs of patients with tracheostomy and their attending relatives regarding home management of patients with tracheostomy; to develop a SIM for home management of patients with tracheostomy based on the identified learning needs and to evaluate the effectiveness of SIM for patient and their attending relatives on home management of patients with tracheostomy in terms of gain in knowledge and practice after administration of Self Instructional Module. The research approach selected for the study was quantitative approach. A descriptive survey design was selected to identify the learning need. The research design to evaluate the effectiveness of the SIM on home management of patients with tracheostomy was, pre experimental, “one group pre test and post test design” sample was selected by purposive sampling. The tools used for data collection were Tracheostomy learning need questionnaire to assess learning needs, structured knowledge questionnaire to assess knowledge and structured interview schedule to assess practice related to home management of patients with tracheostomy. Findings revealed that rank order of the different learning need area score of both the groups were almost similar thus, both the groups had almost similar knowledge and their leaning needs were similar. Findings also revealed that the mean post test knowledge and practice score was significantly higher than the mean pre test knowledge and practice score in both the groups. Significant relationship also existed between post test knowledge and post test practice score of patients with tracheostomy and their attending relative. SIM on home management of patients with tracheostomy was an effective strategy in increasing knowledge and practice of patients with tracheostomy and their attending relatives. SIM on home management of patients with tracheostomy can be used by nurses as an educational strategy to teach patients regarding home management of patients with tracheostomy.