Background: Anecdotal experience indicated that there was a failure to meet the needs of healthcare professionals (HCP) working with laryngectomy. ENT SLT at GUH developed and delivered a training programme for HCP working with patients with laryngectomies. This service evaluation examines improvements in knowledge and confidence after this training.
Methods: HCW attended one-off sessions with SLT. Course work included anatomy, indications, risks and case studies. Pre and post training questionnaires evaluated identification of common laryngectomy equipment, discrimination of laryngectomy vs tracheostomy stoma and self-rating of knowledge of equipment. Knowledge and comfort of safety concerns and management procedures for voice and swallow was rated. Other quantitative and qualitative results were obtained.
Results: There was an increase in pre and post training scores for specific equipment identification. Increased self rating of competence ‘in working with laryngectomies’ was noted. This was echoed in self-rating of knowledge and comfort in safety issues, and management procedures alike. Seeing equipment and discussing case studies is also described as beneficial.
Conclusion: This service evaluation demonstrates that laryngectomy training for HCWs results in increased knowledge, competence and confidence of topics including equipment, care and safety. Future training courses may include use of simulation, and also discipline-specific topics.