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.

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.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being a caregiver of patients with tracheostomy over the age of 18
• Volunteer.
• Being the primary caregiver of the patient,
• Ability to communicate verbally
• Normal psychological state.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Being a caregiver of tracheostomy patients younger than 18 years of age
• Rejecting the voluntary event,
• Not being the primary caregiver of the patient,
• Inability to communicate verbally
• Having a psychological disorder

Eleven primary caregivers of patients who volunteered to participate in the study were included.

all collected IPD

After the research is published

It will be shared by researcher Yeliz ŞAPULU ALAKAN to be used in meta analysis or other research.