Prediction model for early decannulation

Patients with acquired brain injury who have difficulties breathing and swallowing may need to have a tracheostomy tube inserted in their throat to secure free airways. Unfortunately, patients cannot talk and eat with the tube inserted, and the tube can be bothersome due to sensory disturbance. The tube requires extensive treatment, and removal of the tracheostomy tube (decannulation) is therefore important for the patients independence in everyday life.

At Hammel Neurorehabilitation Center and University Research Clinic, clinical staff have a high degree of professional competences in rehabilitation of patients, but it is nevertheless difficult to answer questions from patients and their next-of-kin about the expected time before the patient can manage safely without the tracheostomy tube. 

To optimize daily clinical practice, staff from the research unit have developed a prediction model for decannulation from a tracheostomy tube, based on nine years of data from previously hospitalized patients.

The prediction model calculates time intervals and probabilities for the event of successful decannulation from tracheostomy tubes, based on a certain number of characteristics obtained at admission. This qualifies the professional reasoning of the clinical staff, in estimating utilization of rehabilitation services and relaying information to patients and next-of-kin.

The link below redirects to the prognosis software.

OBS: Due to both technical and IT-safety issues, the landing page of the link below is currently closed. We are working on a solution. We hope that all issues will be resolved in the beginning of January. If you have need of information or have questions to the prognosis software for early decannulation, please contact Asger Roer.