• Helen Newman, Gemma Clunie, Sarah Wallace, Christina Smith, Daniel Martin, and Natalie Pattison.
• University College London, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Royal Free Hospital, 3(rd) Floor, Pond Street, London NW3 2QG, UK; Therapies Department, Barnet Hospital, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, Wellhouse Lane, Barnet EN5 3DJ, UK. Electronic address: Helen.newman3@nhs.net.
• J Crit Care. 2022 Dec 1; 72: 154145154145.

PurposeTracheostomy is a common surgical procedure in ICU. Whilst often life-saving, it can have important impacts on patients. Much of the literature on tracheostomy focuses on timing and technique of insertion, risk factors and complications. More knowledge of patient experience of tracheostomy in ICU is needed to support person-centred care.Materials And MethodsQualitative systematic review and metasynthesis of the literature on adult experience of tracheostomy in ICU. Comprehensive search of four bibliographic databases and grey literature. Title and abstract screening and full text eligibility was completed independently by two reviewers. Metasynthesis was achieved using thematic synthesis, supported by a conceptual framework of humanised care.Results2971 search returns were screened on title and abstract and 127 full texts assessed for eligibility. Thirteen articles were included for analysis. Five descriptive and three analytical themes were revealed. The over-arching theme was 'To be seen and heard as a whole person'. Patients wanted to be treated as a human, and having a voice made this easier.ConclusionsVoice restoration should be given high priority in the management of adults with a tracheostomy in ICU. Staff training should focus on both technical skills and compassionate care to improve person-centred outcomes.Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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