Impact of a Tracheostomy Care Bundle on ICU Nurses' Knowledge and Practice

ABSTRACT Background Tracheostomy is a common procedure in intensive care units (ICUs), with a rising number of patients requiring specialised nursing care. Effective tracheostomy management is critical for preventing complications such as tube blockage, infection and bleeding. Critical care nurses play a pivotal role in ensuring patient safety, highlighting the need for innovative approaches to enhance their knowledge and clinical performance. Aim To evaluate the effect of implementing a Tracheal nursing care bundle on critical care nurses' knowledge and performance in the ICU. Study Design A quasi‐experimental design was conducted involving critically ill adult patients with tracheostomies and ICU nurses. Data were collected using three tools: (i) a self‐administered questionnaire to assess nurses' knowledge, (ii) a pre–post observational checklist to evaluate nurses' performance in applying the Tracheal nursing care bundle and (iii) a patient outcome sheet documenting demographic characteristics, adverse events and tracheostomy‐related complications. Results A total of 60 critical care nurses and 60 ICU patients participated in the study. Post‐implementation of the Tracheal nursing care bundle, there was a statistically significant improvement in nurses' knowledge and practice, with 81.7% achieving adequate performance levels. The overall complication rate significantly decreased (pre 28.3% (n=17) vs. post 8.3% (n=5), p=0.006). Conclusions The Tracheal nursing care bundle enhanced ICU nurses' knowledge and performance, leading to a reduction in tracheostomy‐related complications and improved patient outcomes. Relevance to Clinical Practice Implementation of structured care bundles, such as the Tracheal nursing care bundle, strengthens evidence‐based tracheostomy management in ICUs. By standardising nursing practice, the bundle reduces preventable adverse events, reinforces patient safety and supports high‐quality care delivery. Incorporating such interventions into routine ICU practice can optimise patient outcomes and empower nurses with the confidence and competence required for managing tracheostomies effectively.