Quality improvement strategies for preventing tracheostomy-related pressure injuries in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis - Report - MDSpire

Quality improvement strategies for preventing tracheostomy-related pressure injuries in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

  • By

  • Yanan Wang

  • Chunli Wang

  • Shifen Zhai

  • Hua Wang

  • Wei Chi

  • Xudong He

  • Ziqian Wang

  • June 2, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Strategies for Enhancing Quality to Prevent Pressure Injuries

Overview

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluate interventions for preventing pressure injuries in pediatric patients with tracheostomies. Findings suggest that silver-containing foam dressings and Velcro® securement devices may reduce the incidence of pressure injuries, although the evidence remains moderate due to study limitations, particularly the lack of statistical significance in many comparisons.

Background

Pediatric patients with tracheostomies are at high risk for medical device-related pressure injuries (MDRPIs) due to factors like prolonged cannulation and immature skin. The development of these injuries can lead to extended hospital stays and increased healthcare costs, making effective prevention strategies crucial. Despite various interventions, there is a lack of robust evidence specifically addressing this vulnerable population.

Data Highlights

InterventionOdds Ratio (OR)Credible Interval (CrI)
Velcro® ties vs. conventional twill ties0.260.07–0.94
Mepilex® vs. control0.830.02–21.48
Mepilex® Ag vs. control0.320.003–11.37
Mepilex® Ag vs. Mepilex®0.370.01–11.11
(Note: None of the pairwise comparisons achieved statistical significance, indicating uncertainty in the findings.)

Key Findings

  • Children with tracheostomies have a high incidence of MDRPIs, reaching up to 22.4% without preventive measures.
  • Velcro® securement devices significantly reduce the risk of adverse events compared to conventional ties.
  • Mepilex® Ag dressing shows a higher probability of being the optimal intervention for preventing pressure injuries.
  • None of the pairwise comparisons achieved statistical significance, indicating uncertainty in the findings.
  • High-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to establish standardized guidelines for prevention.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should consider using silver-containing foam dressings and Velcro® securement devices to potentially reduce the risk of pressure injuries in pediatric tracheostomy patients. Individual patient characteristics and resource availability should guide the selection of preventive strategies, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches.

Conclusion

The review highlights the potential benefits of specific interventions for preventing pressure injuries in pediatric patients with tracheostomies, while also emphasizing the need for further research to solidify clinical guidelines and improve patient outcomes.

Related Resources & Content

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  3. conexiant — Emergency Intubation: Trials Identify Best Strategies
  4. Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) — Safety of Telemedicine Versus In-Person Care for Patients With Tracheal Devices: Propensity Score–Matched Cohort Study
  5. Intensive Care Medicine — Non-Pharmacological Strategies for the Prevention of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia
  6. International Guideline
  7. Safety of Telemedicine Versus In-Person Care for Patients With Tracheal Devices
  8. The incidence, prevalence, and risk factors of medical device-related pressure injuries in paediatric inpatients: A systematic review and meta-analysis - ScienceDirect
  9. Improving Outcomes for Patients With Tracheostomy Through Implementation of AARC Clinical Practice Guidelines | CoLab

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