An evaluation on the quality of life the individuals with tracheostomy

This study has been performed as descriptive to designate the quality of life the individuals with tracheostomy. All the patients, who have had tracheostomy operations between the years 1998-2009 at the Hacettepe University Adult Hospital Ear Nose and Throat Clinic, constitute the population of the study. A total of 70 patients with tracheostomy in these records have been included in the study. The study data have been collected between June and July 2009 by using the Introductory Features Form relating to determining the quality of life the individuals with tracheostomy and the Life Quality Short Form 36. It has been determined that the points earned by patients, whose life span with tracheostomy is 3 months ? 1 year, who have received chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, have expressed that they have difficulties in inhaling and exhaling and eating in the various sub-dimensions of the life quality index are lower. Together with this, it has been determined that the points earned by patients who can perform their tracheostomy care independently, have no complications developing, use speech with esophageal speaking, whose sense of smell has not been impaired, state that their physical appearance has not been affected in a negative manner and express that their social relations have been affected positively or have not changed in the various sub-dimensions the quality of life index are higher. According to the findings of the study, it has been determined that tracheostomy affects the quality of life patients unfavorably in many aspects.