Randomized Clinical Trial of the Application of TrachPhone HME and the Impact on Patient Satisfaction for Tracheostomized Head and Neck Cancer Patients (HME)

The research on the TrachPhone HME for tracheostomized patients are limited (Kearney, et al, 2023). Furthermore, this research study is highly warranted to demonstrate that the use of an HME filter for tracheostomized patients improves pulmonary function and can even allow patients to voice, improving their quality of life.

The purpose of the use of Trachphone for tracheostomized head and neck cancer patients in the post-operative acute care setting to improve pulmonary rehabilitation, pulmonary function and improve patient satisfaction. The TrachPhone is a multifunctional HME providing heat and moisture, it has a speaking valve function, integrated oxygen supply port, integrated tracheal suctioning port allowing for tracheal suctioning without having to remove the HME, and foam filter.

Following surgery, eligible patients will be identified and approached by a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) during the post-operative period (days 1-3). Patients who express interest will be provided with a full explanation of the study, after which written informed consent will be obtained prior to enrollment. Enrolled participants will be randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group using a computer-generated randomization list. Participants will be assigned to groups sequentially in the order they are enrolled.

Randomized controlled clinical trial for 80 tracheostomized head and neck cancer patient within post operative day 1-3 (40 participants in the control group not using Trachphone and 40 participants in the experimental group with TrachPhone HME application).

Experimental Group (TrachPhone HME) Within post-operative days 1-3, participants assigned to the experimental group will be fitted with the TrachPhone Heat and Moisture Exchanger (HME), placed directly on the open tracheostomy. At enrollment, baseline data will be collected, including vital signs, completion of the Tracheostomy Wellbeing Score (TWS), and suctioning frequency as documented in the electronic health record (Epic). Participants will wear the TrachPhone continuously as tolerated, per nursing communication order. The SLP will conduct a follow-up assessment 1-2 days prior to or on the day of decannulation or discharge, at which time vital signs, TWS, and suctioning frequency will be reassessed.

Control Group (Standard Trach Collar).

Participants assigned to the control group will receive standard tracheostomy care with a trach collar in place. At enrollment, identical baseline measures will be collected, including vital signs, TWS completion, and suctioning frequency via Epic nursing documentation. Participants will wear the trach collar continuously as tolerated, per nursing communication order. The SLP will conduct a follow-up assessment 1-2 days prior to or on the day of decannulation or discharge, collecting the same outcome measures as baseline.

Procedures conducted is per standard of care assessing vitals of a tracheostomized patient. The procedures that will be conducted solely for the purpose of the study will be use of TrachPhone HME, monitoring frequency of required suctioning and vitals, and providing patient with a Tracheostomy Wellbeing Score.