Swallowing therapy as a key factor for subsequent medications
We are at it again! TRACOE is supporting World Patient Safety Day for the 3rd time. The motto for 2022 is "Medication without Harm" and aims to draw attention to making the medication process safer and harm-free.
Every person around the world will take medications at some point in their lives to prevent or treat illness. However, medications sometimes cause serious harm if they are stored, prescribed, dispensed, or administered incorrectly, or if they are inadequately monitored.1
In addition, many medications must be taken orally. To do this, the patient must be able to swallow, and this can be a challenge, especially for tracheostomized patients.
Key factors for medication of tracheostomy patients*: Stimulation of the swallowing reflex
TRACOE does not have any drugs or products in its portfolio that are directly related to medication, but we can help with some of our products, e.g. to stimulate the patient's swallowing reflex.
For tracheostomized patients, training with speaking valves starts quite early to motivate and mobilize them.2 For spontaneously breathing patients, our TRACOE phon assist I, for example, can be used as an aid.3, 4 Please note that when using a speaking valve with a cuffed tracheostomy tube, this must first be deflated .
For patients who are awake and need to be ventilated around the clock, and are fitted with a TRACOE extract tracheostomy tube with subglottic suctioning, for example, there is another option for stimulating the swallowing reflex.5 Since our extract tracheostomy tubes is approved for the ACV method (Above Cuff Vocalization), air may be introduced into the subglottic suction line . The air flows through the upper airway so that the taste and smell receptors involved in the swallowing reflex can be stimulated. The supplied air flows through the upper airway so that the taste and smell receptors, which are involved in the swallowing reflex, can be stimulated. Provided the affected person is then able to swallow again, the medication can be properly administered again.
More information about the TRACOE phon assist or the ACV method can be found here:
Brochure: Inner values Phon Assist
Above Cuff Vocalization Brochure
1 Retrieved on 28.07.2022 from https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2022/09/17/default-calendar/world-patient-safety-day-2022
2 Niers , N. (2017). How the selection of the cannula affects speaking, swallowing, breathing and management of secretions - the inner value of a tracheostomy tube. (Lecture on 11.10.2017, KAI Berlin), p.2
3 Eibling , D.E. & Gross, R.D. (1996): Subglottic air pressure: a key component of swallowing efficiency. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 105: 253 - 258.
4 Suiter, D.M., McCullough, G.H. & Powell, P.W. (2003): Effects of cuff deflation and one-way tracheostomy speaking valve placement on swallow physiology. Dysphagia 18: 284 - 292.
5 Niers, N. (2019). Possibilities and Opportunities for Subglottic Air Insufflation in Patients with Tracheostomies more than just Above Cuff Vocalisation (ACV). RespTher (Vol. 14, No. 4, p. 50-52).
We are particularly proud to support the FSV Nieder-Olm e.V. with our main sponsorship as premium partner for the active men's team.
Swallowing therapy as a key factor for subsequent medications
