Quality of life improves with return of voice in tracheostomy patients in intensive care: An observational study

Abstract Purpose To measure patient-reported change of mood, communication-related quality of life and general health status with return of voice among mechanically ventilated tracheostomy patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Materials and Methods A prospective observational study conducted in a tertiary ICU. Communication-related quality of life was measured daily using the Visual Analogue Self-Esteem Scale. General health status was measured weekly using the EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D). Results Aspects of communication self-esteem that significantly improved with the return of voice were ability to be understood by others (p = 0.006) and cheerfulness ( p = 0.04) , both with a median difference from before to after return of voice of 1 on the 5-point scale. Return of voice was not associated with a significant improvement in confidence , sense of outgoingness , anger, sense of being trapped , optimism or frustration . Reported general health status did not significantly improve. Conclusions Return of voice was associated with significant improvement in patient reported self-esteem, particularly in being understood by others and in cheerfulness. Improved self-esteem may also improve quality of life, however further research is needed to confirm this relationship. Early restoration of voice should be investigated as a way to improve the experience of ICU for tracheostomy patients.