PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Gunilla Björling TI - Long-term tracheostomy care: How to do it AID - 10.1183/18106838.0503.204 DP - 2009 Mar 01 TA - Breathe PG - 204--213 VI - 5 IP - 3 4099 - http://breathe.ersjournals.com/content/5/3/204.short 4100 - http://breathe.ersjournals.com/content/5/3/204.full SO - Breathe2009 Mar 01; 5 AB - Educational aimsTo provide an overview of long-term tracheostomy care.To increase the understanding of long-term tracheostomy care.To increase knowledge about tube selection.To improve understanding of how to avoid serious complicationsSummary The overall aim for long-term tracheostomy care is to help those with respiratory failure to achieve a high-quality active life. A long-term tracheostomy does not necessarily mean an increased need for hospital care. With an optimally fitted tracheostomy tube, patient and staff education and regular follow-ups, serious complications can be avoided. This article describes predictors of good long-term tracheostomy care, such as tube selection, indications of change and follow-up.