One-way speech & swallow valve. How to safely use with ventilators

National Tracheostomy Safety Project.

This video was produced in response to the NTSP becoming aware of on going patient safety incidents involving the use of one-way speech and swallow valves with patients receiving mechanical ventilatory support. One-way valves (often called 'Passy Muir' valves) can be used perfectly safely, early in the course of a patient's journey with a new tracheostomy. However, if a patient is receiving mechanical ventilatory support, they will often be using a tracheotomy tube with a cuff. If the cuff is inflated (or not completely deflated) then there is complete (or partial) obstruction to exhalation which may rapidly escalate to into a critical incident.

Brendan McGrath from the NTSP discusses how to safely use one-way valves in different situations and highlights the knowledge and skills required from staff and teams to safely manage patients using one-way valves with ventilators.

Our goal is to improve the safety and quality of care for patients with tracheostomies and laryngectomies through education. We’ve collaborated with key stakeholders in tracheostomy care and developed these freely accessible resources, supported by online learning developed with the Department of Health. We’ve worked with the Global Tracheostomy Collaborative since 2012 to improve care for patients and their families around the world.

This is one of a series of videos dedicated to training and education around tracheostomy care. The videos feature patients and their families and carers demonstrating and explaining their experiences with tracheostomies. All of the participants have given appropriate consent to feature in these videos.

Access training videos and resources for Basic Care, Emergency Care and Vocalisation & Swallowing. Download and print bedhead signs and emergency algorithms from our resources. Download the NTSP app from the App Store or Google Play. #GetTrachReady

Видео One-way speech & swallow valve. How to safely use with ventilators канала National Tracheostomy Safety Project