2022 HME Business Handbook: Respiratory
From Hospital To Home: Getting Respiratory Right
- By Barry Zuckerman
- Jun 01, 2022
When respiratory
patients have been in
the hospital for an extended
period, discharge day is a highly
anticipated event. Studies show
that patients tend to heal better
at home with the comfort of their
families and loved ones close by.
In reality, the transition
from hospital to homecare
can be challenging. Families find themselves absorbing an
overwhelming amount of new
information, filling prescriptions,
and arranging for home
healthcare providers. In addition,
a care company is usually
contracted to supply the necessary
medical supplies for continued
respiratory treatment and therapy.
As supplies arrive at the
house, patients and families are
sometimes surprised to discover
they differ from those that were
used for treatment in the hospital.
For many respiratory patients,
even small differences in the way
a product is constructed can
profoundly affect their path of
recovery and quality of life.
Tracheostomy patients in
particular must pay special
attention and care to ensure that
the trach area remains clean and
free of bacteria – and that the
skin around the neck is protected.
Choosing the correct trach ties,
a seemingly small accessory, can
make a very significant difference
in this regard.
TRACH TIES: A VITAL SUPPORTING ROLE
When patients return home, families and
caregivers must ensure that respiratory
therapy continues in a way that does not
cause secondary conditions that could
worsen to the point where additional
staff, medication, and even hospital
re-admission are required. For trach
patients, the quality and proper fit of
trach ties make all the difference.
A trach tie is an essential tool that
supports the trach tube and holds it in
place. An effective trach tie supports and
stabilizes the trach tube during coughing
and sudden movements. Trach ties come
in a range of styles and are constructed
from various types of materials.
In the hospital, patients are likely
to find high-quality trach ties that are
geared toward proper fit and maximum
absorbency. These features remain vitally
important when patients return home.
DETAILS MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Trach ties must suit the necks of many
different types of patients. Necks come
in many sizes — and one size or type
does not fit all. In the case of patients
with large necks, particular care must
be taken that the trach tie fits correctly.
Improper fit may cause the tie to rub
against or cut into the skin, causing a
rash or sore that can break down the
skin and lead to more serious issues.
Trach ties that are easily adjustable help
alleviate irritation while providing secure
support of the trach tube.
Many manufacturers use an ultra-sonic
welding process to bind the trach tie to
the hook and loop closure that holds
it together. While this process is less
labor-intensive to produce, it results in a
harder edge that can irritate delicate skin
surrounding the trach tube. Trach ties
using stitching tend to provide a softer,
more comfortable edge that provides
more comfort and can be more easily
tolerated.
ABSORBENCY IS KEY
Many patients who transition from
hospital to home are well-oriented and
aware of their surroundings. But for those
who are less alert or who have certain
underlying conditions, saliva may escape
and move toward the neck and trach-tie
area. If the trach tie is not sufficiently
absorbent, the excess moisture rubbing
against the trach tie can exacerbate
irritations on the skin.
These kinds of irritants can evolve into
wound care issues that could complicate
respiratory treatment and require
additional medical staff and more pain
for the patient. A highly absorbent trach
tie helps solve this problem by keeping
moisture away from the skin where it
could dry and become abrasive.
UNDERSTANDING OPTIONS
Homecare companies can support
tracheostomy patients by learning more
about the design options for trach ties
and other respiratory supplies— and
choosing those that minimize the risk
of exacerbating the conditions of
vulnerable patients. To this end, care
companies can work together with
distributors to explore the full range of
options and features available to ensure
that patients have access to respiratory
products that suit their real-life needs.
POINTS TO REMEMBER
- Trach ties are an essential part of
tracheostomy care in the home.
- Home respiratory patients should
be aware that the supplies they
receive might differ from those
used in the hospital.
- Tracheostomy patients are vulnerable
to skin irritations that can lead
to serious wound care issues.
- Patients should be aware of product
features and options, such as absorbency,
adjustability, and quality of
materials when choosing a trach tie.
- Distributors can work with care
companies to make them aware of
the options available that they can
provide to homecare patients.
LEARN MORE
To learn more about Dynarex Resp-O2
respiratory therapy supplies, visit
dynarex.com.
To learn more about Dynarex’s full line
of disposable and durable medical
supplies, visit dynarex.com.
This article originally appeared in the May/Jun 2022 issue of HME Business.
About the Author
Barry Zuckerman is the Respiratory Advisor for the Dynarex Resp-O2 product line, which features a comprehensive range of respiratory solutions.