Intensive Care Society Optimising Tracheostomy Outcomes 2025

9am – 4pm GMT 27 March 2025
This study day focuses on tracheostomies in the ICU setting and the associated multi-disciplinary roles whom collaborate to enhance patient care. Our faculty of clinical and research experts will consider the ‘who’ and the ‘how’ of tracheostomies, speaking valves and rehabilitation to answer key questions including- how early is ‘early’ for a tracheostomy? How can we complement weaning and rehabilitation progression for patients with a tracheostomy? And is pharmacology a help or a hinderance? With real life examples, and ongoing reference to the evidence base throughout, this study day is one not to miss!

Learning Outcomes

To review the evidence for tracheostomy management linked to weaning, airway clearance and laryngeal function in the ICU setting
To explore the physiological adaptations with tracheostomy in relation to communication, respiration, eating and drinking
To be introduced to new frontiers in teaching and learning methods to enhance tracheostomy education
To understand the latest evidence and approaches to laryngeal desensitisation
To engage in expert panel discussion in individualised, patient centred care for patients with tracheostomy

The Optimising Tracheostomy Outcomes 2025 event by the Intensive Care Society is tailored for a multidisciplinary audience involved in critical care and tracheostomy management. This includes:

Intensive care physicians and anesthetists
Speech and language therapists (SLTs) and physiotherapists specializing in airway and rehabilitation
Critical care nurses and pharmacists managing complex weaning and secretion strategies
Researchers and educators focused on tracheostomy care and patient-centered outcomes
Healthcare professionals interested in innovations in communication, swallowing, and respiratory function post-tracheostomy

The event emphasizes evidence-based practice, real-life case discussions, and collaborative approaches to improve outcomes for patients with tracheostomies in ICU settings
 
+ Topics:
*Note: these are continuous video recordings during the conference, they include individual lectures mentioned in the Detail section below
27 March 2025.mp4
Bronchure.pdf
 
 
* Detail:

Time
Title of Talk
Faculty

9:00
Welcome by Chair
Chair & Co-Chair

9:05
Optimising Weaning
This talk will consider the management of patients with complex or long-term weaning issues in ICU.
Prof Tim Felton (Consultant in Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine)

9:35
Switching the larynx back on
This talk will provide an overview of laryngeal sensory impairment and the impact of interventions, such as airflow and pharyngeal electrical stimulation on laryngeal function.
Prof Sarah Wallace OBE (Consultant SLT in critical care)

10:05
Questions
Panel

10:15
Coffee Break

10:30
The role of Pharmacology
This presentation will discuss how pharmacological management can help and/or hinder secretion management.
Holly Mackenzie (Principal Pharmacist in critical care)

11:00
Optimising secretion clearance
Through a joint PT/SLT presentation, this talk discusses the optimisation of upper airway secretion clearance.
Gemma Jones (SLT in critical care) and Jason Nunn (PT in critical care)

11:30
One-way valves: De-bunking myths
This talk will focus on the myths surrounding the use of One-Way Valves, including lung recruitment, eating and drinking and exercise.
Dr Anna Liisa Sutt (SLT in critical care)

12:00
Questions
Panel

12:30
Lunch Break

13:00
Managing late complications of bleeding
This presentation will consider the latent impact and management of innominate artery bleeding
Taran Tatla (ENT – Head & Neck Surgeon)

13:20
Trachy Size
This talk will provide a synopsis of her research findings of the implications of tracheostomy tube size for clinical practice.
Helen Newman (SLT in critical care)

13:40
Patient Case Study
Using a patient case the speaker will discuss approaches to weaning alongside physical rehabilitation
Ashwin Bhat (PT in critical care)

14:00
Questions

14:15
Coffee Break

14:35
New Frontiers in Trachy Education
This talk will provide a synopsis of recent developments in tracheostomy education.
Paul Twose (Consultant AHP)

15:05
Virtual Reality in Trachy Education
Building on the previous talk, this session will specifically focus on the potential of Virtual Reality in tracheostomy education
Brendan McGrath (Consultant in Consultant in Anaesthesia & Intensive Care Medicine)

15:35
Panel Discussion
Panel

15:55
Closing Remarks