Table 2.

Research priorities related to tracheostomy care in intensive care

1.	Approaches to weaning, with comparisons between methods such as spontaneous breathing trials, reducing ventilatory support and high-flow oxygen.
2.	The role of protocolised and nurse-led weaning.
3.	The patient experience of weaning, and the impact of mood and motivation on outcomes.
4.	The impact of early cuff deflation or cuffless tubes on weaning outcomes and optimisation of speech and oral intake.
5.	The role and timing of tracheostomy tube changes (including exchanging for smaller, cuffless or fenestrated tubes), and the impact on stomal complications.
6.	Comparative trials of the range of speaking adjuncts, with a focus on speech intelligibility, and benefits relating to alveolar recruitment.
7.	Clinical trials of above-cuff vocalisation, with consideration of potential benefits, such as swallowing rehabilitation, and risks, such as aspiration.
8.	Screening for readiness for oral intake trials and factors that contribute to delays in the commencement of oral intake.
9.	The patient experience of oral intake, or lack thereof, and its impact on quality of life.
10.	The role of tracheostomy multidisiciplinary teams in the intensive care setting.