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Abstract
Introduction: Tracheostomy is a life-saving procedure used to establish an alternative airway in patients with airway obstruction or respiratory compromise. Proper tracheostomy care requires competent and knowledgeable nurses to prevent complications such as infection, bleeding, tube blockage, and accidental dislodgement. Previous studies have reported varying levels of nurses' knowledge and practice regarding tracheostomy care. However, limited evidence is available from Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess nurses' knowledge and practice regarding tracheostomy care in tertiary care hospitals of Peshawar. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess nurses' knowledge and practice regarding tracheostomy care among patients with tracheostomy tubes. Methodology: A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 125 nurses working in internal medicine, surgical wards, and intensive care units of Lady Reading Hospital (LRH), Khyber Teaching Hospital (KTH), and Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC), Peshawar. Participants were selected through convenience sampling, and data were collected using an adapted structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Results: The findings showed that 38.4% of nurses had high knowledge, 57.6% had moderate knowledge, and 4% had low knowledge regarding tracheostomy care. Regarding practice, 20.8% demonstrated a high level, 72.6% a moderate level, and 6.6% a low level of practice. Conclusion: The study revealed gaps in nurses' knowledge and practice regarding tracheostomy care. Continuous professional education, regular training, and standardized clinical guidelines are recommended to improve the quality and safety of tracheostomy care. Further research is needed to identify factors contributing to inadequate knowledge and practice.