Patient safety
certain ways of working were standardised. In their article in the Anaesthesia Path Safety
Foundation (APSF) Newsletter, Sarah K Pierce et al (June 2021)6
described how they established
a difficult airway response team for a regional hospital. It was a case study that described the adoption and diffusion of innovators within the anaesthetic environment. This is a great example of how collaboration can make things happen.
Conclusion Effective airway device securement is a critical component of patient safety in clinical settings. Proper securement techniques reduce the risk of unplanned extubation, displacement, infection, facial tissue harm and compromising the airway, which can lead to life-threatening complications. Healthcare providers must be well-trained in securing airway devices and remain vigilant in monitoring their stability throughout patient care. Standardised protocols, high-quality
materials, and evidence-based practices are essential for ensuring the reliability of airway device securement. Regular assessments, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the use of checklists further enhance safety by promoting consistency and reducing errors. Sadly, through the research we have undertaken and discussions we have had with individuals throughout this project, it is apparent that many healthcare professionals feel unable to speak up to support better patient results. All too often, Trusts only change their practices following an incident – despite the cost implications of such incidents far outweighing the cost of implementing innovative solutions in the first place. It is a blinkered approach to improvement and innovation.
By prioritising proper securement
practices, healthcare teams can improve patient outcomes, prevent adverse events, and reinforce a culture of safety in airway management. Ongoing research and innovation in device design and securement techniques will continue to advance this critical aspect of patient care. We are pleased to report that our work has
garnered international interest, prompting efforts to replicate the exercise in both the US and Europe. This global recognition underscores the significance of our findings and highlights the potential for broader applications in enhancing safety standards worldwide. These strategies, combined with continuous education and integration of innovative technologies, demonstrate the
potential for significant improvement in patient safety related to airway device management. CSJ
References 1. Gaszyński T, Gómez-Ríos MÁ, Serrano-Moraza A, Sastre JA, López T, Ratajczyk P. New Devices, Innovative Technologies, and Non-Standard Techniques for Airway Management: A Narrative Review. Healthcare (Basel). 2023 Sep 5;11(18):2468. doi: 10.3390/healthcare11182468. PMID: 37761667; PMCID: PMC10650429.
2. National Infection Prevention and Control Manual, Chapter one; Standard Infection Control Precautions (SICPs)
3. Surgical airway securement a report analysing responses to a survey, focus groups and freedom of information requests published: November 2024. Accessed at: https://
www.pentlandmedical.co.uk/wp-content/
uploads/2024/12/Report-on-Findings-Final-V2. pdf
4. Kelly Tankard; Milad Sharifpour; Marvin G Chang; Edward A Bittner. Design and Implementation of Airway Response Teams to Improve Patient Safety, Journal of Clinical Medicine (2022)
5. Fick, M. Insight: Medical device makers drop products as EU law sows chaos, Reuters, 19 December 2022. Accessed at: https://
www.reuters.com/business/healthcare- pharmaceuticals/medical-device-makers- drop-products-eu-law-sows-chaos-2022-12-19/
6. Sarah K Pierce, CRNA; Gary E Machlis, PhD. Establishing a difficult airway response team for a regional hospital: A case study into adoption and diffusion of innovators. The Anaesthesia Patient Safety Foundation (APSF) Newsletter June 2021.
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