The study sample consisted of eleven (11) primary caregivers of patients with tracheostomies who were hospitalized in the otolaryngology clinic of a university hospital in a province located in the northwest of Turkey. This study was conducted using a semi-structured interview technique with the primary caregivers of the patients. Interviews were audio-recorded during the data collection procedure. The content of the audio recordings obtained during each interview was evaluated by the researchers using the content analysis method. The data were categorized, coded, and analyzed by creating themes and sub-themes. It was observed that the primary caregivers of the patients expressed fear, sadness, and anxiety during the suctioning procedure performed by healthcare professionals or themselves during their hospitalization. It was determined that caregivers need information on suctioning practice and insufficient knowledge on emergencies worries them as well.
This study aimed to determine the experiences of primary caregivers of patients with tracheostomies on tracheostomy suctioning procedure. This is a semi-structured qualitative study.