American Association of Critical Care Nurses, American Journal of Critical Care, 1(32), p. 9-20, 2023
DOI: 10.4037/ajcc2022337
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Background Health care professionals (HCPs) performing tracheostomies in patients with COVID-19 may be at increased risk of infection. Objective To evaluate factors underlying HCPs’ COVID-19 infection and determine whether tracheostomy providers report increased rates of infection. Methods An anonymous international survey examining factors associated with COVID-19 infection was made available November 2020 through July 2021 to HCPs at a convenience sample of hospitals, universities, and professional organizations. Infections reported were compared between HCPs involved in tracheostomy on patients with COVID-19 and HCPs who were not involved. Results Of the 361 respondents (from 33 countries), 50% (n = 179) had performed tracheostomies on patients with COVID-19. Performing tracheostomies on patients with COVID-19 was not associated with increased infection in either univariable (P = .06) or multivariable analysis (odds ratio, 1.48; 95% CI, 0.90–2.46; P = .13). Working in a low- or middle-income country (LMIC) was associated with increased infection in both univariable (P < .001) and multivariable analysis (odds ratio, 2.88; CI, 1.50–5.53; P = .001). Conclusions Performing tracheostomy was not associated with COVID-19 infection, suggesting that tracheostomies can be safely performed in infected patients with appropriate precautions. However, HCPs in LMICs may face increased infection risk.