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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2014 Sep-Oct;43(5):392-8.
doi: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2014.01.005. Epub 2014 Feb 20.

Impact of tracheostomy placement on anxiety in mechanically ventilated adult ICU patients

Stephanie J Breckenridge  1 , Linda Chlan  2 , Kay Savik  3
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Impact of tracheostomy placement on anxiety in mechanically ventilated adult ICU patients

Stephanie J Breckenridge et al. Heart Lung. 2014 Sep-Oct.

Abstract

Objective: To determine if self-reported anxiety levels decreased after tracheostomy placement in a sample of mechanically ventilated intensive care unit patients.

Background: There is limited research regarding the impact of a tracheostomy on patients' anxiety. Elevated anxiety delays healing and contributes to long-term mental health complications.

Methods: This was a secondary analysis of data from a large clinical trial conducted in urban Minnesota. Fifty-one of 116 patients received a tracheostomy. Anxiety scores were obtained daily using the Visual Analog Scale-Anxiety. Mixed model analysis was used to compare anxiety ratings pre- and post-tracheostomy.

Results: There was no significant decrease in anxiety following tracheostomy after controlling for time and gender (all p > .16). Age was the only variable to impact anxiety levels: anxiety scores increased as age increased (p = .02).

Conclusions: Prospective studies are needed to more accurately assess the impact of tracheostomy placement on patient anxiety and salient outcomes.

Keywords: Adult; Anxiety; Intensive care unit; Mechanical ventilation; Tracheostomy.

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Conflict of interest statement

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Number of enrolled subjects by study day (non-cumulative)
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Mean anxiety trends before and after tracheostomy placement (n=51)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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