Decannulation: speech therapy and physiotherapy approach

Abstract

It was undertaken a narrative and comprehensive review of studies and research about the decannulation process in patients undergoing tracheostomy. Objective: to analyze the speech therapy and physiotherapy approach on decannulation of tracheostomy patients, as well as possible complications throughout this process, from the literature indexed in national and international databases. Methods: The following databases were searched: Scopus, SciELO and PubMed, from 1996 to 2015. There were selected and analyzed 26 references, which showed the existence of few studies that establish specific criteria for decannulation, keeping the decision regarding this procedure still based on subjective judgments, in opposition to standardized protocols. Conclusion: The removal of the tracheostomy and the consequent decannulation depend on many factors and may be a complex process, being necessary others research not only about the most significant factors involved, but also on their evaluation and the interaction between them, taking into account the importance of the performance in multidisciplinary team in order to make the most effective and safe process.