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This study measures nurses' self-assessed proficiency in tracheostomy care and emergency readiness while identifying competency gaps.

March 26, 2026Open Access

Nurses’ Confidence and Readiness in Tracheostomy Care and Emergencies: A Cross-Sectional Study

Key Points

This study measures nurses' self-assessed proficiency in tracheostomy care and emergency readiness while identifying competency gaps.
Surveyed 1109 nurses across various healthcare units
Utilized a structured questionnaire to assess confidence and knowledge
Employed multiple linear regression, ANOVA, and t-tests for analysis
Followed STROBE guidelines for reporting
79.1% of participants were female with a mean age of 36.6 years
Nurses from critical care units had higher confidence (23.2) and knowledge (9.6) scores compared to emergency and outpatient nurses
Participants scored an average of 21.0 for confidence and 8.3 for knowledge
Statistically significant differences found between competencies of different unit nurses (p < 0.001)

Abstract

Background: Nurses need proper care skills for tracheostomy care and to handle airway emergencies and prevent complications because nursing preparedness and experience in these situations vary among healthcare facilities which shows that competency evaluations are essential for improving patient safety and care quality. Objective: The study measures nurses’ self-assessed proficiency in tracheostomy care management and emergency readiness while pinpointing nursing competency gaps to develop targeted educational and strategic interventions. Methods: A total of 1109 nurses from critical care, surgical, trauma, home care, emergency and outpatient units provided the study data. A structured questionnaire assessed participant confidence levels as well as their knowledge and preparedness, The survey instrument was adapted from a previously validated questionnaire and further reviewed by experts and pilot tested to ensure suitability for the local context. Multiple linear regression and ANOVA, along with t test enabled the study to explore the relationships between participants’ demographic traits and their educational and workplace experiences in relation to competency levels, this study was reported in accordance with the STROBE guidelines. Results: Female participants comprised 79.1% of the total group, and mean age of 36.6 ± 7.4 years, while most participants came from South Asia (45.9%) followed by Southeast Asia (35.1%) and staff nurses formed 93.4% of the sample with an average professional experience of 12 years, the participants achieved moderate assessment scores measuring confidence at 21.0 out of 30 and knowledge at 8.3 out of 16, nurses from critical care units demonstrated significantly higher levels of both confidence and knowledge registering 23.2 and 9.6 respectively compared to their emergency unit nurses who scored 18.4 and 6.6 and outpatient nurses who scored 19.3 and 5.8 with these differences being statistically significant (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The research concludes that nurses require structured training programs combined with practical experience and detailed competency evaluations to improve their tracheostomy care abilities and self-confidence which healthcare organizations should standardize to ensure enhanced patient care results across all clinical settings. Keywords: tracheostomy care, nursing confidence, tracheostomy complications, tracheostomy emergencies, nursing education

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