Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this research was to develop and train caregivers in tracheostomy tube care using a self-management program to assist patients with an 'at home' tracheostomy procedure. Caregivers' self-efficacy and knowledge of tracheostomy management before and after the training was also identified. Methods: Research participants were the main caregivers for patients with tracheostomies who were affiliated with a 'Home Healthcare Center'. Training and observation were done at 'A Hospital' and 'G Hospital' both affiliated with 'K University' in Seoul. Data were collected from May 3, 2010 to January 25, 2011 and analyzed using Wilcoxon signed rank test with SPSS program version 12.0. Results: Significant differences were found for the pre and post evaluation of the 'self-management program' for the implementation of tracheostomy care. The development and implementation of the 'self-management program' improved the main caregivers' knowledge of tracheostomy tube management (Z=-3.599, p<.001). Conclusion: Results show that this program has identified an effective nursing intervention for promoting the caregivers' knowledge of tracheostomy care and self-efficacy. We recommend that further research should be done to test primary caregivers' maintenance of knowledge and self-efficacy in tracheostomy tube management and identify factors affecting knowledge and self-efficacy in the care of these patients.