Long-term tracheostomy care: How to do it

Educational aims

1. To provide an overview of long-term tracheostomy care.

2. To increase the understanding of long-term tracheostomy care.

3. To increase knowledge about tube selection.

4. To improve understanding of how to avoid serious complications

Summary 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.