Hospital Trach Protocol, ListServ Summary, Oct 2025
Rehab administrators answer questions regarding Hospital Trach Protocol. IPRC archives information collected by the Pediatric Rehab Administrator’s ListServ as a public service to the entire Pediatric Rehabilitation Community. All information is posted in summary format and has been de-identified. Search through past queries for responses to rehabilitation related questions.
Original Question(s):
1. Are PTs/OTs/SLPs trained in performing deep suctioning for patients with tracheostomies?
2. What is your training process for PTs/OTs/SLPs to learn deep suctioning? How do they demonstrate competence?
3. Are PTs/OTs/SLPs trained in completing trach changes?
4. What is your training process for PTs/OTs/SLPs to learn trach changes? How do they demonstrate competence?
5. What are your practices around PTs/OTs mobilizing patients with tracheostomies out of the room and/or off the unit?
a. Are these therapists trained in deep suctioning and able to complete emergency trach changes?
b. What other providers are required to accompany patients and therapists (RN, RT, etc.)?
c. Do practices change if the patient is on a portable ventilator vs. lesser form of respiratory support (trach collar, HME, etc)
Summary of Responses (de-identified)
