Tracheostomy Emergency Respiratory Resuscitation Issues (TERRI)

Course Information

Using high fidelity manikins and simulation based-education the course aims to develop confidence and competence in recognising and assessing potentially sick patients, develop crisis management skills, communication and teamwork skills within the multidisciplinary team.

The TERRI course was initially developed following a needs analysis by ENT nurse specialist Sister Janet Ryles and Clinical Educator Kelly Turkhud.  Anxieties of staff in the community and on the wards when caring for patients with tracheostomies were acknowledged and it was proposed that a hands-on approach to training may help alleviate some of those anxieties.  The TERRI course was piloted and successfully received by delegates from a variety of disciplines in March 2010.  Utilising simulation-based education, the manikins play the part of real-life patients and provide delegates with an opportunity to care for those patients with tracheostomies in situ, enabling them to face their fears in a safe environment and develop competence and confidence when caring for patients with tracheostomies.                                                                      

Feedback from delegates has demonstrated that the objectives of the course have been achieved and it was suggested that more of the same would be beneficial for other staff that care for patients with tracheostomies.  The course has now been extended to a full day course, and with the input of specialist faculty, it is a new addition to the catalogue of courses for the Montagu Clinical Simulation Centre in the future.