Chronic tracheostomy care of ventilator-dependent and -independent children: Clinical practice patterns of pediatric respirologists in a publicly funded (Canadian) healthcare system.

Objectives: To describe the current clinical practice patterns of Canadian pediatric respirologists at pediatric tertiary care institutions regarding chronic tracheostomy tube care and management of home invasive ventilation.

Methods: A pediatric respirologist/pediatrician with expertise in tracheostomy tube care and home ventilation was identified at each Canadian pediatric tertiary care center to complete a 59-item survey of multiple choice and short answer questions. Domains assessed included tracheostomy tube care, caregiver competency and home monitoring, speaking valves, medical management of tracheostomy complications, decannulation, and long-term follow-up.