Experiences of conscious patients with tracheotomy and tracheal aspiration: A qualitative study

Tracheal aspiration is a fundamental nursing intervention performed to remove secretions and can be carried out through either an endotracheal tube or a tracheostomy cannula. The aim of this phenomenological study is to describe the experiences of conscious patients hospitalized in the ORL (Oto-Rhino-Laryngology) department who underwent tracheal aspiration through a tracheostomy cannula. The study sample consisted of 15 patients who met the inclusion criteria and were hospitalized in the ORL departments of Karadeniz Technical University Farabi Hospital and Bursa Uludağ University Hospital. Data were collected through individual in-depth interviews with the patients after obtaining institutional permissions and ethical committee approval, between May 2024 and July 2025. The "Patient Information Form" and the "Semi-structured Interview Form" were used for data collection. Interviews were conducted in the patients' rooms, audio-recorded, and analyzed inductively through thematic analysis using MAXQDA software. The study followed the "Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research" (COREQ) standards to ensure the reliability of the results and the transparency of the research process. Six main themes and 16 sub-themes were identified regarding patients' experiences with temporary tracheostomy and tracheal aspiration. The main themes included: "Grief experience related to tracheotomy," "Impact of tracheotomy on quality of life," "Experience of tracheal aspiration," "Factors contributing to the experience of tracheal aspiration," "Experiences of the healing process with decannulation," and "Recommendations." The findings highlight the importance of nurses performing tracheal aspiration procedures according to evidence-based guidelines, with effective communication and consideration of patient needs. In conclusion, it is recommended that nurses monitor patients' physical and psychosocial responses with an individualized and holistic approach before, during, and after the intervention, and provide supportive interventions.