Evaluate the impact of quality of life on self image and well being of the tracheostomised patients

Abstract

Background and Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life in patients with tracheostomy. We will also discuss the relationship between quality of life and patient demographics. The performing of tracheostomy causes alterations in the lifestyle of the individual in physiological, psychological and social aspects. Methodology: All the patients, who have had tracheostomy operations between 2017-2019 at a Katuri Medical College &Hospital, constitute the population of the study (70 patients). The data have been collected between October- November 2017 by using Satisfaction with Life Scale Karnofsky Performance Scale were used in the study to assess the quality of life of non ventilated tracheostomy patients. Mean ± standard deviations are given in the results and tables. Kruskall-Wallis H test were used for the statistical analysis. Results: In this study there is a significant improvement in the quality of life of the patient when compared to the initial and final assessment of the questionnaire. In this study at the time of first assessment, all the patients (i.e. 52) tracheostomy care was done by nursing staff or by the family members. At the final assessment 42.3% (22 patients) of patients were performing tracheostomy care by them self. In this study at the time of first assessment, 42.3% (22 patients) had no sense of smell and 57.6% (30 patients) had decreased sense of smell and at final assessment, 59.61% (31 patients) had sense of smell, whereas, 40.3% (21 patients) had still decreased sense of smell. In this study at the time of initial assessment, regarding change in physical appearance, 100% (52 patients) had expressed, not liking one’s own physical appearance and at the final assessment, 100% (52 patients) are continued to be disturbed from their own physical appearance. In this study regarding feeding, at the time of initial assessment, 42.3% (22 patients) had difficulty in feeding and 57.6% (30 patients) had overcome the initial feeding difficulty i.e. all the patients had initial feeding difficulties. At later stage, 59.61% (31 patients) had no difficulties in feeding, and 40.3% (21 patients) had overcome the initial feeding difficulty at the time of final assessment. 100% (52 patients) experienced problems in respiration initially; significantly it is improved at the final assessment. All patients i.e. 100% (52 patients) had breathing difficulty only in lying down position. At the time of final assessment all patient i.e. 100% are relieved of the swallowing problems. 19.2% had granulation around the stoma and 80.7% had mild cough on and off. Conclusion: These findings confirm that tracheostomy has a profoundly negative impact on QOL. Specialized counseling of these patients by a dedicated team may improve QOL significantly.