Stabilisation of an Endotracheal Tube for the Adult Intensive Care ...

Integrative Literature Review
Introduction
A thorough review of the literature is an integral part of developing evidence based practise
guidelines. The literature search strategy for this guideline was developed within
teleconferences attended by the Guideline development network (GDN) members. However
whilst this search was in progress a systematic review was published (Gardner, Hughes et al.
2005). The GDN search identified only 2 further descriptive studies that were relevant.
1. Literature Search Protocol
Structured Research Question:
For the adult intensive care patient what method of securing an endotracheal tube / tracheal tube
provides optimal stabilisation, maintains skin, oral cavity and trachea integrity and is most comfortable
for the patient?
P Population (of interest) Intubated intensive care patients (+ burns/Neuro/Faciomaxillary)
I Intervention Stabilisation of tracheal tube
C Control (group) N/A
O Outcome (measured) Migration of tube, skin integrity, unexpected extubations, integrity of
oral cavity, patient comfort, cuff pressure
Search Strategy
Databases: CINAHL, MEDLINE, PBMED and Cochrane Library for
Key words: Endotracheal tube or tracheostomy tube, unplanned extubation AND
Intensive care or critical care, cuff pressure
Publication years: 1990 – March 2006.
Other search filters:
English language only yes
Adult yes
2. Literature Review Process
A single reviewer using the tools in Appendix 1 reviewed articles.
3. Literature Synthesis Process
The reviews plus all articles were sent to all members of the GDN for review prior to the ICC-
CDC.
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