Longing for a Voice.

Tracheostomy involves a challenging care process in which both patients and caregivers have difficulty communicating. Loss of speaking ability negatively affects caregivers as well as patients. The objective of this study was to examine the experiences of caregivers of patients with tracheostomy during care and after the first vocal exercise. This is a qualitative interview study using in-depth interviews. We used Colaizzi's method of data analysis. The interviews were carried out with 17 caregivers from March to July 2023. Two main themes were identified: the communication process and the first time hearing the patient's voice. In addition, communication techniques, difficulty in communication, providing motivation, and emotions were considered as subthemes. A better quality of care can be provided by understanding the experiences of caregivers of patients with tracheostomy, by sharing feelings and thoughts, and by using patient-specific communication methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Hospice & Palliative Nursing is the property of Lippincott Williams & Wilkins and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)