Caregiver strain associated with tracheostomy in chronic respiratory failure

Study objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychological a nd psychosocial impact of tracheostomy on the caregivers of patients who ha ve undergone tracheostomies. Setting: Rehabilitation facility. Participants: Sixty-three lay caregivers of inpatients and outpatients with various underlying diseases who have undergone tracheostomies. Methods: At the beginning of the study, the 63 caregivers completed a previ ously validated questionnaire designed to assess the problems related to ca ring for patients with chronic diseases. Approximately 1 year later, 40 of the 63 caregivers completed the same questionnaire a second time, The resul ts were analyzed statistically in order to investigate the caregivers' perc eptions of the factors associated with their Own particular situation. Results: The answers of the 40 subjects who completed the questionnaire twi ce revealed the existence of perceived strain persisting over time, which w as greater in female caregivers and in those caring for patients who had ha d a tracheostomy for < 14 months. The younger caregivers (age < 59 years) a nd those caring for patients receiving nocturnal ventilation expressed a co ntinuing need for information about the disease. Finally, the caregivers sa id that they, as well as their patients led very restricted personal lives. Conclusions: Tracheostomy causes a substantial amount of caregiver strain, which should be taken into account when deciding on any treatment plan.