The use of tracheostoma humidification by people with total
laryngectomy in the UK: a cross-sectional survey.
Abstract
Objectives: To investigate the use of tracheostoma
humidification by people with total laryngectomy (PTL) in the UK and
explore influencing factors.
Design: National cross-sectional survey and case note
review.
Setting: 26 UK National Health Service (NHS) centres providing
care to PTL.
Participants: PTL reviewed by speech and language therapy (SLT)
between March and September 2020.
Methods: Secondary analysis of data collected during a
national multi-centre audit of PTL completed in response to the Covid-19
pandemic. Data were collected on type of humidification used by PTL and
demographic information. Type of humidification was dichotomised as
‘HME’ (closed-system heat moisture exchanger) or ‘non-HME’ (alternative
stoma cover or no stoma cover). Univariable analysis was performed to
determine the association with several potential explanatory variables
including gender, age, living circumstances, distance from treatment
centre, communication method and time elapsed since laryngectomy. A
backwards selection procedure was used to determine the final model for
multiple regression analysis.
Results: Data were obtained from 1216 PTL from 26 centres
across the UK; information on type of tracheostoma humidification used
was available for 1097 PTL. Most PTL (69%) used an HME. Following
multiple regression analysis, time elapsed since laryngectomy
(p=<0.001), living circumstances (p=0.002) and communication
method (p=<0.001) were statistically significant factors in
HME use.
Conclusion: In the UK, most PTL follow recommendations to
use a closed-system HME, though there is marked variability across
centres. HME use is influenced by time elapsed since laryngectomy,
living circumstances and communication method.
Key words
total laryngectomy, humidification, neck-breathers, tracheostoma, stoma
covers, HMEs
Key points
- PTL are advised to wear a closed-system heat moisture exchange system
(HME) to optimise pulmonary health.
- Across the UK, 69% of PTL use a closed-system HME. This figure can be
used as a benchmark for UK services.
- There is significant variability in HME use across treatment centres
which may indicate inequity of service across regions.
- Factors influencing HME use include time elapsed since surgery, living
circumstances and communication method.
- Findings may indicate a need for targeted education regarding
pulmonary health for specific groups of PTL and their carers.